Taunton public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Taunton City Council will vote on a third reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 350 of the Revised Ordinances to establish property maintenance standards and penalties for violations.

• Ordinance for third reading: Property Maintenance Chapter 350
• Aziz Tire Service Center Class II License renewal
• City Solicitor requesting executive session for personnel matter
• CFO requesting committee meetings for financial matters
• First Assistant City Solicitor submitting Home Rule Petitions

The council adopted a new Property Maintenance ordinance, replacing Chapter 350 to define and enforce standards for litter, overgrowth, and building conditions. The council also approved a retirement scroll for Fire Department employee Keith Hartung and placed Xfinity sales‑tax correspondence on the record. Home Rule petitions granting service credit to Police Officers Omar H. Ricketts and Joseph D. Ryan were approved, and a Class II license renewal for Aziz Tire Service Center was referred to the Police and License Committee. Additional motions referred various financial and procedural items to the Committee of the Whole and City Clerk.

• Adopted Property Maintenance Ordinance (third reading)
• Approved retirement scroll for Fire Dept. employee Keith Hartung
• Placed Xfinity sales‑tax correspondence on file
• Approved Home Rule petitions granting service credit to Officers Omar H. Ricketts and Joseph D. Ryan
• Referred Class II License renewal for Aziz Tire Service Center to Police & License Committee
• Included non‑buildable restriction on surplus property parcel
• Referred CFO updates on infrastructure projects to Committee of the Whole
• Referred Parliamentary Workshop distribution to City Clerk

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee will approve minutes from Dec. 16, 2025, review weekly vouchers and payroll, and discuss establishing a Healthy Outcomes Fund to aid non‑profits with food insecurity and emergency shelter. The committee will also discuss allowing City Trust Funds to be invested under the state "Prudent Investor Rule." The Police and License Committee will approve minutes from Dec. 16, 2025 and consider renewal petitions for 24‑hour operation licenses for Joe's Diner (51 Broadway) and Speedway #2432 (943 County Street), as well as Class II license renewals for John's Auto Repair (390 Cape Highway) and R&F Motors (35 Dana Street). The Public Property Committee will approve minutes from Dec. 2, 2025 and consider declaring parcel 65‑423 near East Whitehill Street surplus. The Committee of the Whole will hear remarks from the Chair and approve minutes from Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, 2025.

• Approve minutes from Dec. 16, 2025 (Finance and Salaries Committee)
• Discuss creation of the Healthy Outcomes Fund for non‑profit food and shelter aid
• Discuss investment of City Trust Funds under MGL Ch. 44 Sec. 54(b)(c)(d) and MGL Ch. 203C
• Review license renewal petitions for 24‑hour operation: Joe's Diner (51 Broadway) and Speedway #2432 (943 County Street)
• Consider declaring parcel 65‑423 near East Whitehill Street surplus

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved payroll and accounts payable warrants totaling $5.86 million and authorized the City Auditor to create a $75,000 Healthy Outcomes Fund to address citywide food insecurity and emergency shelter. The Police and License Committee approved renewal petitions for several Hours‑of‑Operation and Class II licenses. The Public Property Committee declared parcel 65‑423 surplus. All committees approved their meeting minutes and adjourned.

• Approved payroll warrant $1,799,647.17 (Finance & Salaries)
• Approved accounts payable warrant $4,056,496.79 (Finance & Salaries)
• Authorized City Auditor to establish Healthy Outcomes Fund with $75,000 (Finance & Salaries)
• Referred Healthy Outcomes Fund order to full Council (Finance & Salaries)
• Approved Hours‑of‑Operation license renewals for Joe's Diner and Speedway (Police & License)
• Approved Class II license renewals for John's Auto Repair and R&F Motors (Police & License)
• Declared parcel 65‑423 surplus (Public Property)
• Approved minutes for each committee meeting (Finance & Salaries, Police & License, Public Property, Committee of the Whole)

License Commission

The License Commission will consider an application from Carnation, LLC doing business as Fusion Kitchen to extend its operating hours on December 31, 2025 from 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. The commission will vote on whether to grant the requested extension. The meeting is held via Zoom and will not be televised or livestreamed.

• Carnation, LLC d/b/a Fusion Kitchen – request to extend operating hours on Dec 31 2025 from 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

The License Commissioners met quorately on December 23, 2025. They unanimously approved Carnation, LLC d/b/a Fusion Kitchen's request to extend closing time from 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on December 31, 2025. The approval requires the establishment to provide a police detail for the extended hours.

• Approved extension of operating hours to 2:00 a.m. on Dec 31 2025 with police detail (unanimous)

City Council

The Municipal Council approved an amendment to its standing agenda rules, adding new requirements for submissions and public input. The council also reappointed Steve Rogers and John‑Paul Thomas to the Airport Commission for three‑year terms. Several motions to refer items—such as the Healthy Outcomes Fund, a site‑plan hearing, a fire‑chief executive session, and various license petitions—to the appropriate committees were also approved.

• Approved amendment to Rules and Orders (A501‑2 agenda provisions)
• Reappointed Steve Rogers to Airport Commission (3‑year term)
• Reappointed John‑Paul Thomas to Airport Commission (3‑year term)
• Referred Healthy Outcomes Fund proposal to Finance and Salaries Committee
• Received and filed notice for 180 Myricks St. site‑plan hearing
• Referred Fire Chief executive‑session request to Committee of the Whole
• Referred R&F Motors Class I license renewal to Police and Licenses Committee
• Referred Elite Auto and Trucks LLC Class I license application to City Clerk for public hearing

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved the meeting minutes, the payroll warrant, and an accounts payable warrant for $2,207,585.77. The Police and License Committee approved its meeting minutes and denied a petition for a new livery license for Lifestep Companion & Transport Services at 763 S. Precinct Street. Both committees adjourned their meetings.

• Approved Finance and Salaries minutes from Dec 9, 2025
• Approved payroll warrant in absentia
• Approved accounts payable warrant for $2,207,585.77
• Approved Police and License minutes from Dec 1 and Dec 9, 2025
• Denied petition for new livery license for Lifestep Companion & Transport Services (763 S. Precinct St.)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider several variance and special permit requests. Key items include a proposal to convert a 3-family dwelling into a 14-unit apartment building and requests for height and lot size exceptions.

• Case #3826 Moniz (21 Fruit St): Special Permit for a 14-unit apartment building and parking waiver from 15 spaces to 4 spaces
• Case #3828 Taunton Owner 3 LLC (2 Silver City Drive): Variance for 4 silos up to 77'5" (max 50 feet)
• Case #3829 Beard (Kingman St): Variance for lot area of 22,338 sq. ft. (instead of 60,000 sq. ft.)
• Case #3831 Donovan (Rocky Woods St): Variance for lot area of 30,067 sq. ft. (instead of 60,000 sq. ft.)
• Case #3832 Borges (63 Ashland St): Special Permit for a 220 sq. ft. addition with a 4.6' side setback

The board approved a special permit for a 220‑sq‑ft addition at 63 Ashland St. It denied the proposed veteran‑housing addition at 21 Fruit St. It granted a height variance for four silos at 2 Silver City Drive, conditional on FAA filing.

• Approved special permit for 220 sq ft addition at 63 Ashland St. (Vote: Ackerman, Vieira, Turner, Joyce, Faria – Yes)
• Denied veteran‑housing project at 21 Fruit St. (Vote: Vieira, Doherty, Joyce, Faria – No; Ackerman – Yes)
• Granted height variance for four silos at 2 Silver City Drive with FAA filing condition (Vote: Ackerman, Vieira, Turner, Joyce, Faria – Yes)

Library Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review financial and circulation reports for FY25. The body will discuss state aid for FY 26 and potential collaborations with healthcare and social services.

• FY 26 State Aid
• Sharps Kiosk
• Baker and Taylor Vendor and Micromarketing
• Social Services/Healthcare Collaborations
• Building Maintenance Update

The trustees approved Brian Belanger as the new chairperson of the Library Board. They accepted the September 2025 minutes, the September financial report, and the September circulation report. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Appointed Brian Belanger as chairperson (approved)
• Accepted September 2025 minutes (approved)
• Accepted September 2025 financial report (approved)
• Accepted September 2025 circulation report (approved)
• Adjourned the meeting (approved)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor O’Connell to sign a letter to Governor Healey seeking increased unrestricted general government aid for FY27. The body will also consider the appointment of an Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Works.

• Proposed appointment of Katherine Nunes as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Works
• Motion to adopt the Prudent Investor Rule for City Trust Funds
• Petition for new poles and a push brace near 82 Eldridge Street
• Class III License transfer request for Reynold’s Auto Wrecking at 733 South Precinct Street
• License renewal requests for Joe’s Diner (51 Broadway) and John’s Auto Repair (390 Cape Highway)

The council approved Katherine Nunes as acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, effective when the current commissioner retires. Several items were referred to standing committees, including a surplus‑property review, the Prudent Investor Rule, and mobile‑home‑park and rent‑control legal opinions. The council adopted the Order of Taking for the Route 79 Improvement Project and approved the retirement of a fire‑department employee. License renewals and pole‑location petitions were sent to the appropriate committees for public‑hearing processes.

• Approved Katherine Nunes as acting DPW Commissioner (6‑2 vote)
• Referred DPW Commissioner matters to the DPW Committee
• Referred surplus‑property request to the Committee on Public Property
• Referred Prudent Investor Rule proposal to the Committee on Finance and Salaries
• Adopted Order of Taking for Route 79 Improvement Project
• Approved retirement of Nelson P. Mota, II (Fire Department) and sent scroll
• Referred license renewal petitions (Joe’s Diner, John’s Auto Repair) to Police & License Committee
• Referred Verizon/LMP pole‑location petition to City Clerk for public hearing

City Council

The Taunton City Council will meet to review weekly vouchers, approve minutes, and discuss zoning permits for short-term rentals. The Police and Licenses Committee will also consider renewals for several liquor licenses and a new livery license.

• Review weekly vouchers and payroll
• Discuss Airbnb Special Permits
• Renew Class II Licenses for New World Motor Sales and Leonard's Auto Repair
• Renew Hours of Operations License for Platinum City Gaming
• Consider new Livery License for Lifestep Companion & Transport Services

The Zoning Committee approved a motion to refer registration and compliance of short‑term rentals to the Law Department and the Ordinance Committee. The Police and License Committee approved two Class II license renewals, denied an extended hours request for Entertainment One Stop Shop, and approved a second‑hand article license. The Committee of the Whole referred a funding request for a wheelchair‑accessible scale to Finance and the CFO’s Office. Several procedural motions to adjourn were also approved.

• Approved referral of short‑term rental registration and compliance to Law Dept and Ordinance Committee
• Approved referral of room occupancy excise tax study to Law Dept
• Approved renewal of Class II licenses for New World Motor Sales and Leonard's Auto Repair
• Denied request to extend Entertainment One Stop Shop hours to 2 am
• Approved second‑hand article license for Anything but Jaded Vintage
• Tabled new Livery License for Lifestep Companion & Transport Services to Dec 22 meeting
• Referred wheelchair‑accessible scale funding request to Finance and CFO’s Office
• Approved adjournments for each committee session

TMLP Commission

The Commission will review several regular warrants and consider authorizations for sealed bids and proposals. The meeting includes discussions on a parking lot repair request and employee benefit costs for FY 2026.

• Major Project Request for Cleary Parking Lot Pavement Repair (Rev 1)
• City of Taunton letter regarding Employee Benefits and Overhead Costs for FY 2026
• Donation request from Edward F. Leddy Preschool for iPads
• Authorization to advertise for and award sealed bids and proposals
• TMLP Saves 2026 Residential Appliance Rebate Program announcement

Golf Commission

The Taunton Golf Commission will review and accept the October 9 minutes. It will consider a request for the Building Committee to draft questions for Superintendent Chris Carmichael and CFO Dello Russo about the clubhouse project and how to advertise and solicit funds or grants. The commission will also discuss adding members to the Building Committee and receive a report on culvert work at holes 3, 4, and 7.

• Review and accept minutes from the October 9 meeting
• Send new clubhouse rendering file to Bristol Plymouth
• Send flags to Bristol Plymouth for printing
• Formulate questions for Superintendent Chris Carmichael and CFO Dello Russo regarding the clubhouse project and funding options
• Discuss adding members to the Building Committee and report on culvert progress at holes 3, 4, and 7

License Commission

The Board will accept minutes from the October 3 and November 10 meetings, consider several license applications and requests, and review the 2026 renewals for on‑premise §12, off‑premise §15, common victualler, amusement device, and entertainment licenses. It will also discuss a special permit fee and requests for waivers of police detail requirements.

• Applause Academy MA Inc. (21 Main Street) – application for a General On‑Premises Section 12 wine and malt beverage license
• Aire Restaurant & Catering, LLC (4 Westcoat Drive) – request for extended operating hours on Dec 11, 2025
• Joao Vaz Deandrade LLC (4 Alger Avenue) – request to reinstate Sunday evening entertainment
• Entertainment One Stop Shop LLC d/b/a Platinum City Gaming (294 Winthrop Street) – discussion of hours of operation and entertainment
• 2026 license renewals for on‑premise §12, off‑premise §15, common victualler, amusement device, and entertainment licenses

The License Commissioners unanimously approved several 2026 license renewals, including on‑premise §12 alcohol, off‑premise §15, common victualler, amusement device and entertainment licenses. They also approved the Applause Academy wine and malt license pending background checks and a police detail waiver, and extended hours for Aire Restaurant on Dec 11. Sixteen police detail waiver requests for 2026 were approved, while the special permit fee discussion was tabled for January.

• Approved Applause Academy §12 wine & malt license pending background check (unanimous)
• Approved extended hours (4–7 p.m.) for Aire Restaurant & Catering on Dec 11 (unanimous)
• Approved all 2026 on‑premise §12 alcohol licenses except The National, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved all 2026 off‑premise §15 alcohol licenses (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 common victualler license renewals (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 amusement device licenses for Forrest Family Fun Center and Fun City Adventure Park (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 entertainment license renewals for Star Drive‑In and Forrest Family Fun Center (unanimous)
• Approved 16 police detail waiver requests for 2026 (unanimous)

Department of Human Services / Council on Aging

The Department of Human Services Board will meet to review the Director's report and discuss program updates. The meeting includes updates on funding, personnel, and renovations.

• Approval of August 20, 2025 minutes
• Outreach/SHINE/Community EMS program updates
• Community Relations Program/Emergency Fund/Taunton Opioid Task Force updates
• Funding and personnel updates
• Renovation update

Board of Health

The Board of Health will receive monthly reports from public health staff and inspectors. The board is scheduled to review proposed local pest control regulations for permitted food establishments and discuss specific properties.

• Review of proposed local pest control regulations for all permitted food establishments
• Update on Cubesmart at 16 Park Street
• Review of Food Consultant report for Yamato Japanese Steakhouse at 278 Winthrop Street
• Introduction of Northern Bristol County Public Health Alliance Regional Inspector Emelee Guest

The Board of Health approved the November 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It then accepted the monthly reports from the Public Health Nurse, Epidemiologist, Health Agent/Septic Plan, Sanitary Inspectors, Environmental Compliance Officer, Tobacco Prevention Collaborative, and the Assistant Executive Director. Each motion was passed with two members present and both voting in favor.

• Approved November 18, 2025 minutes (2-0)
• Accepted Public Health Nurse report (2-0)
• Accepted Epidemiologist report (2-0)
• Accepted Health Agent/Septic Plan report (2-0)
• Accepted Sanitary Inspectors reports (2-0)
• Accepted Environmental Compliance Officer report (2-0)
• Accepted Tobacco Prevention Collaborative report (2-0)
• Accepted Assistant Executive Director report (2-0)

Parks, Cemeteries & Public Grounds Commission

The Parks, Cemeteries & Public Grounds Commission will meet to review monthly reports, capital improvement updates for Memorial Park, and special event requests. The meeting will be held at 170 Harris Street.

• Cemetery and burial reports
• Memorial Park capital improvement updates
• Maintenance and recreation supervisor reports
• Special event requests and correspondence

City Council

The Municipal Council will consider a supplemental budget for fiscal year 2026 and a new property maintenance ordinance. The body will also discuss establishing a revolving fund for the Public Safety Complex.

• FY2026 Supplemental Budget with total new expenditures of $327,083,105.58
• Proposed Chapter 350 Property Maintenance ordinance regarding nuisances and vacant properties
• Establishment of a revolving fund for maintenance of the Public Safety Complex at 90 County Street
• Class I License renewals for Leonard’s Auto Repair & Performance Inc. and New World Motor Sales Inc.
• Fire Chief requests for promotional exams and lists for Fire Captain and Fire Lieutenants

The Municipal Council voted 8‑0 to adopt a FY2026 supplemental budget totaling $327,083,105.58. It also approved a revolving fund for the Public Safety Complex at 90 County Street, funded by telecom lease revenues, with an 8‑0 vote. A new Property Maintenance Ordinance (Chapter 350) was adopted, and the council approved a revised retirement date for Frederic J. Cornaglia. Additional motions referred pension fund appropriations, license renewals, and fire‑chief promotion requests to the appropriate committees.

• Approved FY2026 supplemental budget of $327,083,105.58 (8‑0)
• Approved revolving fund for Public Safety Complex, effective July 1 2026 (8‑0)
• Adopted Property Maintenance Ordinance, Chapter 350 (vote not specified but included in Orders)
• Approved revised retirement date for Frederic J. Cornaglia to Jan 8 2026 (motion passed)
• Received FY2027 Pension Fund appropriation of $21,237,067 (motion passed)
• Referred Class II license renewals to Police & License Committee (motion passed)
• Referred Fire Chief promotional exam request to City Clerk (motion passed)
• Referred Fire Chief promotion list request to City Clerk (motion passed)

City Council

The Taunton Municipal Council will hold committee meetings to review police license renewals, discuss proposed zoning changes and Airbnb permits, and consider an ordinance requiring affordable housing percentages in new developments.

• Review Class II and III license renewals for 30 auto sales and junk yards
• Discuss proposed zoning changes and Special Permits for Airbnb
• Consider ordinance requiring affordable housing in new proposals
• Discuss waiver for road opening on Dwinell Road
• Review rules of the Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved a payroll warrant for $4,860,151.40 and an accounts payable warrant for $3,567,429.81. Both motions were made by Councilor Estele Borges and seconded by Councilor Scott Martin and were adopted by vote. The Police and License Committee approved a series of license renewals and new 24‑hour operation licenses, and tabled two pending license items to the next meeting.

• Approved payroll warrant for $4,860,151.40 (Finance & Salaries Committee)
• Approved accounts payable warrant for $3,567,429.81 (Finance & Salaries Committee)
• Approved Class II license renewals for listed auto businesses (Police & License Committee)
• Approved Class III license renewals for listed auto businesses (Police & License Committee)
• Approved Class IV license renewal for ET Auto, LLC (Police & License Committee)
• Approved 24‑hour operation license for Red Shift Donuts, Inc. (Police & License Committee)
• Approved 24‑hour operation license for Taunton Gas & Market, LLC (Police & License Committee)
• Tabled new livery license and second‑hand article license items to Dec 16 meeting (Police & License Committee)

Conservation Commission

The Taunton Conservation Commission will approve minutes from the November 3 meeting and close out several Order of Conditions for properties on Winthrop Street, Paige Way, Joel Harvey Way, and John Quincy Adams Road. It will hear public hearing items for construction projects, including a shed at 43 Friend Street and a garage at 655 West Water Street, and consider an extension request for the Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical High School at 207 Hart Street. Other business includes discussion of the Scadding Street Bridge Replacement Project, a review of commission fees compared to other Massachusetts towns, and a change of the next meeting time to 5:00 p.m.

• Close out Order of Conditions for 446 Winthrop Street (Kennedy Acquisitions LLC)
• Construction of a shed at 43 Friend Street (Ramos)
• Extension request for Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical High School, 207 Hart Street
• Relocation of dumpster pad and addition of transformer pad at 74 Weir Street
• Review of Scadding Street Bridge Replacement Project and commission fee comparison

The Conservation Commission voted to approve the 0 Myricks Street convenience store and gas station project with special conditions. It also issued Certificates of Compliance for five previously completed projects and approved a 5,000‑sq‑ft garage at 655 West Water Street with conditions. The commission continued the pending 43 Friend Street shed item to the January 5 meeting and opened a hearing on a three‑year extension for the Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical High School project.

• Approved minutes of 11/3/25 (unanimous)
• Approved 0 Myricks Street convenience store and gas station with special conditions (unanimous)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 446 Winthrop Street (unanimous)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 30 Paige Way (unanimous)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 78 Joel Harvey Way (unanimous)
• Approved 655 West Water Street 5,000‑sq‑ft garage with special conditions (unanimous)
• Continued 43 Friend Street shed item to Jan 5 meeting (unanimous)
• Opened hearing on three‑year extension for Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical High School (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Taunton Planning Board will hold public hearings on several site‑plan and special‑permit applications. Items include a re‑filed petition for a material conveyor at 120R Berkley St, a restaurant and retail project at 293 Winthrop St with reduced landscaping buffers, a mixed‑use redevelopment at 21 Fruit St with bonus density and parking waiver, and an automobile filling station with a retail/restaurant at Myricks Street. The board will also receive an update from the developer of Titicut Estates regarding tree planting.

• Re‑file petition for 120R Berkley St to construct a six‑bin enclosed material conveyor (Dauphanais Concrete, Inc.)
• Special permit/site‑plan review for 293 Winthrop St: 2,240 sq ft quick‑serve restaurant with 40‑seat drive‑thru and 3,600 sq ft retail building, requesting 50% reduction in side and front landscaping buffers
• Site‑plan review for 21 Fruit St: reconstruction of fire‑damaged building into a 4‑story mixed‑use project with 14 residential units, bonus density from 7 to 14 units, and parking waiver from 15 to 3 spaces
• Site‑plan review for Myricks Street parcel 1.D. 138‑67: automobile filling station with a 5,785 sq ft retail store/restaurant and 22‑seat drive‑thru
• Developer update request for Titicut Estates concerning tree planting

The board approved the Myricks Street (parcel 138-67) automobile filling station project, adding 17 specific conditions covering operation hours, lighting, accessibility, and environmental safeguards. It also granted a withdrawal without prejudice for the 120R Berkley St. petition, set a continuance for the 21 Fruit St. mixed‑use project to Jan 8 2026, and established an April 30 2026 deadline for street‑tree planting at Titicut Estates. Additional actions included maintaining the current consultant assignment process and allowing the County Street special permit request to be withdrawn with prejudice.

• Approved Myricks St. filling station site plan with 17 conditions (7‑0 vote)
• Granted withdrawal without prejudice of 120R Berkley St. petition (6‑0, 1 abstain)
• Granted continuance for 21 Fruit St. mixed‑use project to Jan 8 2026 (all in favor)
• Set April 30 2026 deadline for Titicut Estates street‑tree planting (all in favor)
• Continued current process of assigning the next consultant on the list (all in favor)
• Allowed County Street (ID 108‑32) special permit request to be withdrawn with prejudice (6‑1 vote)

City Council

The Municipal Council will hold hearings on a new flammable storage license and the installation of an electric pole. The body will also process several auto-related license renewals and discuss the retirement of DPW Commissioner Fred Cornaglia.

• Hearing for flammable storage license at 200 Myricks St. for 32,000 gallons of gasoline and 8,000 gallons of diesel
• Hearing for Taunton Municipal Light Plant to place one new electric pole on Norton Avenue
• New hours of operation license request for Taunton Gas & Market LLC at 2318 Bay St. (24/7)
• Committee discussion on the sale of 81 Tania Drive
• Committee review of a $1,741.66 prior year bill payment request

The council granted the Taunton Municipal Light Plant’s petition to install a new sole electric pole (EL86L1) on Norton Avenue. It also advanced candidates Terrone Grantham and Nancy K. Cherenfant for conditional police officer offers. Additional actions included continuing a flammable storage license hearing to Jan. 20, 2026, sending a retirement scroll for Public Works Commissioner Fred Cornaglia, and referring several licensing and ordinance matters to the appropriate committees.

• Granted petition for new electric pole EL86L1 on Norton Avenue (motion passed)
• Continued flammable storage license hearing to Jan 20 2026 (motion passed)
• Sent retirement scroll for Public Works Commissioner Fred Cornaglia (motion passed)
• Referred disability commission name change to Ordinances Committee (motion passed)
• Referred Class II and IV license renewal lists to Police & License Committee (motion passed)
• Advanced Terrone Grantham and Nancy K. Cherenfant for conditional police employment (motion passed)
• Referred conversion of Cohannet Street light poles to Washington Posts to Public Works (motion moved)
• Referred Lawton Street skating facility hours to Police & License Committee and Law Department (motion moved)

City Council

At the Dec 2 meeting, the Finance and Salaries Committee will review weekly vouchers, payroll, and a $1,741.66 payment request from Human Resources. The Public Property Committee will consider selling 81 Tania Drive and the proposed location for a new Weir Fire Station at 525 Somerset Avenue. The Ordinances Committee will continue discussion on changes to the Property Maintenance Ordinance for vacant and foreclosing properties. The Committee of the Whole will continue discussion on the Rules of the Council.

• Review weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments (Finance and Salaries Committee)
• Consider payment request of $1,741.66 from Human Resources (Finance and Salaries Committee)
• Discuss sale of 81 Tania Drive (Public Property Committee)
• Discuss proposed site for new Weir Fire Station at 525 Somerset Avenue (Public Property Committee)
• Continue discussion on Property Maintenance Ordinance changes for vacant and foreclosing properties (Ordinances Committee)

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved payroll and accounts‑payable warrants totaling $8.38 million. The Public Property Committee approved the surplus declaration for 81 Tania Drive, recovering about $100,000, and adopted the Determination of Uniqueness to move forward with a new $14 million Weir Fire Station. The Ordinances Committee approved revisions to the Property Maintenance Ordinance and sent it to first reading. Minutes for prior meetings were also approved.

• Approved payroll warrant $2,118,750.04 (Finance Committee)
• Approved accounts‑payable warrant $6,263,061.72 (Finance Committee)
• Approved surplus declaration for 81 Tania Drive (≈ $100,000 recovery) (Public Property Committee)
• Adopted Determination of Uniqueness for new Weir Fire Station (~ $14 M project) (Public Property Committee)
• Approved revised Property Maintenance Ordinance and moved it to first reading (Ordinances Committee)
• Approved minutes from October 14, 2025 Public Property meeting (Public Property Committee)
• Approved minutes from September 9, 2025 Ordinances meeting (Ordinances Committee)
• Approved minutes from October 14, 2025 Public Property meeting (Public Property Committee)

City Council

The City Council Committee on Police and License will hold a meeting to interview candidates for one permanent full-time police officer position. The interview is the primary purpose of the meeting. A full Municipal Council meeting may occur at the same time, but no council action is listed.

• Interview candidates for one permanent full-time police officer position

The Committee on Police and License interviewed Terrone Grantham and Nancy Cherenfant. The council voted to advance both candidates to the full City Council for conditional offers of employment pending required qualifications. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Advanced Terrone Grantham and Nancy Cherenfant to full Council for conditional offers (approved)
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:02 PM (approved)

Americans with Disabilities Act Commission

The Commission for Individuals with Disabilities will not hold a meeting in November or December 2025. The meeting scheduled for Nov/Dec 2025 has been cancelled.

City Council

The Municipal Council will hold a continued hearing on a petition by Michael Lopes for a special permit to develop 29 residential units at 18 Reed Street, located in the Urban Residential District. City officials—including the City Planner, City Solicitor, Water Superintendent, Conservation Agent, and City Engineer—will present comments, and a petition from residents opposes the project. The council will decide whether to approve the special permit.

• Special Permit petition for 29 residential units at 18 Reed Street (Urban Residential District)
• Kennel License application for personal use at 1325 South Precinct Street (Grade 1, 4‑6 dogs)
• Appointment of Katharine McGann to the Board of Library Trustees (term expires Jan 2026)
• Appointment of Brian Belanger to the Board of Library Trustees (term expires Jan 2026)
• Councilor Sanders request to refer affordable‑housing percentage ordinance discussion to the Committee on Ordinance and Enrolled Bills

The council approved the City of Taunton’s fiscal year 2026 final budget totaling $327,083,105.58 and the related new expenditures. Two library trustee appointments were confirmed. Several motions to refer or approve specific projects and requests, including a fire‑station site referral and a request to continue road work beyond the winter moratorium, were also adopted.

• Approved new expenditures as presented in budget slides (motion passed)
• Approved fiscal year 2026 final budget of $327,083,105.58 (motion passed)
• Approved appointment of Katharine McGann to the Board of Library Trustees
• Approved appointment of Brian Belanger to the Board of Library Trustees
• Referred fire station replacement site at 525 Somerset Avenue to the Committee on Public Property and the Committee on the Fire Department
• Approved DPW Commissioner request to allow contractors to continue work in city roadways beyond the winter moratorium
• Approved retirement scroll for Robert W. McGorty, II, Fire Department employee
• Received and placed on file Xfinity correspondence about price increases

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee will review weekly vouchers and payroll and discuss creating a revolving fund for maintenance of the public safety building and its grounds. The Police and License Committee will receive an update on truck traffic and safety concerns at Dever Drive and Crane Avenue South. The Public Health and Environmental Affairs Committee will discuss issues raised about CSX and MBTA operations. The Committee of the Whole will continue its discussion of the Council's Rules.

• Discuss establishment of a revolving fund for public safety building maintenance
• Update on truck traffic and safety at Dever Drive and Crane Avenue South
• Discuss concerns with CSX and MBTA operations
• Review weekly vouchers and payroll for city departments
• Continue discussion on the Rules of the Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved the payroll warrant for $4,925,858.83 and the accounts payable warrant for $5,720,518.40. The committee also approved the creation of a revolving fund to maintain the public safety building and its grounds. Separate committees approved their meeting minutes and, in the Police and License Committee, directed actions on a truck exclusion for Dever Drive and a signage upgrade for Martingetti.

• Approved payroll warrant $4,925,858.83 (vote passed)
• Approved accounts payable warrant $5,720,518.40 (vote passed)
• Approved establishment of a revolving fund for public safety building maintenance (vote passed)
• Approved minutes from November 18, 2025 (Finance) (vote passed)
• Approved minutes from November 3, 2025 (Police) (vote passed)
• Approved minutes from March 26, 2024 (Public Health) (vote passed)
• Referred truck exclusion on Dever Drive to City Engineer (vote passed)
• Sent letter to Martingetti to enlarge ‘Do Not Turn Right’ sign (vote passed)

Agricultural Commission

The Taunton Agricultural Commission will discuss and act on items in its draft work plan, subcommittee reports, and matters concerning Fraga Farm at 115 Tremont Street. It will also review and adopt commission rules of procedure and policies. The meeting includes the nomination and appointment of the commission chair, vice chair, and clerk.

• Review and act on items in the Commission’s Draft Work Plan
• Review and act on items from the Commission’s Subcommittees
• Review and act on items related to Fraga Farm, 115 Tremont Street
• Review and adopt Commission rules of procedure and policies
• Nomination and appointment of Commission Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to conduct a tax classification hearing and review exemptions. The body will also discuss tax billing and BLA directives progress.

• Tax Classification Hearing
• Review of exemptions
• Tax billing discussion
• BLA Directives-Progress

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will accept the minutes from the October 23, 2025 meeting. It will consider three applications: a special permit and multiple variances for Nardina, LLC at 4 Taunton Green; a special permit for Moniz at 21 Fruit Street to expand a 3‑family dwelling to a 14‑unit apartment building with a parking waiver; and a variance for Cabral at 210 Weir Street to allow a drive‑thru restaurant and related site modifications. The board will also address the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Special permit and variances for Nardina, LLC, 4 Taunton Green – 2‑family use on 24th floor, lot area, frontage, setbacks, lot coverage, and parking waiver
• Special permit for Moniz, 21 Fruit St – addition to existing 3‑family dwelling to create 14‑unit apartment, bonus density, and parking waiver
• Variance for Cabral, 210 Weir St – drive‑thru for take‑out restaurant, removal of drive‑up window, and installation of bollards
• Acceptance of October 23, 2025 meeting minutes
• Other business: 2026 meeting schedule

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a drive‑thru variance for Patricia’s Kitchen at 210 Weir St., adding conditions such as online ordering only and a right‑turn‑only sign. It also granted a special permit and parking waiver for Nardina, LLC at 4 Taunton Green to allow a two‑family use on the second floor. The third case for 21 Fruit St. was discussed, but the minutes do not record a vote or final decision.

• Case #3827 Cabral – drive‑thru variance granted with conditions (Yes vote)
• Case #3825 Nardina, LLC – special permit and parking waiver granted (Yes vote)
• Case #3826 Moniz – discussed; no vote or decision recorded in minutes

Historic District Commission

The Taunton Historic District Commission meeting scheduled for November 20, 2025 was canceled because a quorum was not present. No minutes were approved, and no items were decided or discussed.

• 24 Dean Street Shed
• 44 Dean Street Plaque (name and date clarification)
• 40 Dean Street Window Trim
• 14 Church Green Signs
• 14 Church Green Ramp

Airport Commission

The Taunton Municipal Airport Commission will meet to review reports from the airport manager, coordinator, and engineers. The commission will also discuss a potential litigation matter in executive session.

• Approval of September 24, 2025 minutes
• Review of Engineers, Financial, Airport Managers, and Airport Coordinator reports
• Discussion of October 4 Open House
• Executive session regarding potential litigation

The Airport Commission unanimously approved the Engineer’s Report. It also accepted the FY26 financial report pending audit. In addition, the managers’ and coordinators’ reports were approved, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved Engineer’s Report (unanimous)
• Accepted FY26 Financial Report pending audit (unanimous)
• Approved Airport Manager’s Report (unanimous)
• Approved Airport Coordinator’s Report (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Taunton Redevelopment Authority

The Authority will review and approve the October 22 meeting minutes. It will receive updates on the Whittenton Urban Renewal Plan, the Harvey Street and 21 Weir Street properties, and the TDI program. A discussion on a property acquisition will be held, followed by the treasurer’s report and executive director updates. The meeting will conclude with other business and set the next meeting date.

• Review and approve minutes of October 22
• Whittenton Urban Renewal Plan update
• Harvey Street property update
• 21 Weir Street update
• Property acquisition discussion

The TRA approved the minutes from its October 22 meeting with a unanimous vote. No other actions were formally decided; the board discussed redevelopment updates, property acquisition ideas, and financial reports but took no votes on those items.

• Approved October 22 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Taunton Board of Health will approve the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes and consider new business items, including a citizen complaint about illegal occupants at the CubeSmart facility on 16 Park Street and a hearing for Bay Street Vape at 2093 Bay Street for selling tobacco to a minor (third offense). The meeting will also feature monthly reports from health agents, sanitary inspectors, public health nurses, epidemiologists, and other staff. Old business includes reviewing proposed pest‑control regulations for permitted food establishments and the monthly food‑consultant report for Yamato Japanese Steakhouse at 278 Winthrop Street. The session will conclude with a citizens forum and scheduling of the next meeting.

• Hearing for Bay Street Vape, 2093 Bay Street, for selling tobacco to a minor (third offense)
• Citizen communication about illegal occupants of CubeSmart facility, 16 Park Street
• Review of proposed local pest control regulations for all permitted food establishments
• Review of monthly Food Consultant report for Yamato Japanese Steakhouse, 278 Winthrop Street
• Approval of October 14, 2025 Board of Health meeting minutes

The Board approved the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes (3‑0 vote). It tabled the Cube Smart Facility issue to the December meeting (unanimous). It voted to suspend tobacco sales at Bay Street Vape for 14 days starting November 21, 2025 and ordered a $5,000 fine payable by November 21, 2025 (3‑0 vote). The Board also accepted several monthly reports from staff and partners.

• Approved October 14, 2025 Board minutes (3‑0)
• Tabled Cube Smart Facility issue to December meeting (unanimous)
• Suspended tobacco sales at Bay Street Vape for 14 days starting Nov 21, 2025 and set $5,000 fine due Nov 21, 2025 (3‑0)
• Accepted Health Agent/Septic Plan Review report (unanimous)
• Accepted Sanitary Inspectors reports (Dan Ross, Eileen North) (unanimous)
• Accepted Assistant Executive Director monthly report (unanimous)
• Accepted Environmental Compliance Officer monthly report (unanimous)
• Accepted Western Bristol County Tobacco Prevention Collaborative report (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold hearings on a 29-unit residential project at 18 Reed Street and proposed changes to the City Zoning Ordinance. The body will also vote on reducing the age for a specific tax exemption from 70 to 65 years.

• Special Permit hearing for 29 residential units at 18 Reed Street
• Proposed Zoning Ordinance changes regarding Family and Group Home definitions
• Order to reduce tax exemption eligibility age from 70 to 65 years
• Board of Assessors FY2025 Classification Hearing
• Renewal of 19 Class II and 2 Class III licenses

The council approved amendments to the city zoning ordinance defining family and group homes, passing the motion 6‑2. It also approved a split of the tax rate, shifting a 1.750 point increase onto the commercial side. Several appointments were confirmed, including a new full‑time police officer and junior members of the Agricultural Commission. Retirement-related motions for city employees were also approved.

• Approved appointment of Paul Joseph Corrao, Jr. as full‑time police officer (7‑0 roll call)
• Reappointed Nancilee Lemaire to the ADA committee (approved)
• Approved junior member appointments: Jasmine Barsallo and Sydney Leavitt to the Agricultural Commission (approved)
• Approved split of tax rate, shifting a 1.750 point increase onto commercial side (passed, opposition noted)
• Approved zoning ordinance changes to definition of family and group home (6‑2 roll call)
• Motion to deny special permit for 18 Reed Street failed (1‑7 roll call)
• Approved retirement date change for Shawn R. Silvia (approved)
• Approved retirement payout to Mary Crowley of $27,481.13 (approved)

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee will approve its November 10, 2025 minutes and review weekly vouchers and payroll for city departments. The Committee of the Whole will approve its October 28, 2025 minutes and hold discussions on resident issues at Leisurewoods, alleged interference in the preliminary election vote tabulation, and the Council's procedural rules.

• Approve Finance Committee minutes from November 10, 2025
• Review weekly vouchers and payroll for city departments
• Approve Committee of the Whole minutes from October 28, 2025
• Discuss resident issues at Leisurewoods
• Discuss alleged interference in the preliminary election vote tabulation

The City Council approved the meeting minutes from November 10, 2025. It also approved a payroll warrant for $1,902,384.61 and an accounts payable warrant for $1,991,464.63. The Council voted to refer the issue of rent‑control authority and the enforcement role for mobile‑home parks to the Law Department for a legal opinion. Public input on the matter was opened, later closed, and a three‑week response period was added.

• Approved minutes from November 10, 2025 (approved)
• Approved payroll warrant of $1,902,384.61 (approved)
• Approved accounts payable warrant of $1,991,464.63 (approved)
• Referred to Law Department for legal opinion on Council's authority on rent control (approved)
• Referred to Law Department for legal opinion on Council's role with mobile‑home park enforcement (approved)
• Opened public input on the issue (approved)
• Closed public input on the issue (approved)
• Added a 3‑week response period to previous motions (approved)

Election Commission

The Taunton Election Commission will meet to review and discuss the city election update. The meeting includes approval of the October 21, 2025 minutes and a public comment period.

• Approval of October 21, 2025 minutes
• Review and discuss City Election Update
• Public comments on agenda items

The commission unanimously approved the October 21, 2025 meeting minutes, opened and then closed public input, and adjourned the meeting. Commissioners agreed to add ballot application and return deadline dates to the website and to place a residency‑requirements discussion on a future agenda. The next regular meeting was set for Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

• Approved Oct 21, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Opened public input (unanimous)
• Closed public input (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (vote passed)
• Scheduled next meeting for Jan 27, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
• Agreed to add ballot deadline dates to the website
• Director Pacheco to add residency‑requirements discussion to agenda

Cable Advisory Commission

The Commission is discussing the negotiated terms of a new 10-year Comcast Cablevision contract set to begin August 16, 2026. The meeting includes updates on equipment upgrades and service provisions for city facilities.

• Negotiated 10-year Comcast Cablevision contract awaiting final legal approval
• Request for upgrading transmission signals to SDI with equipment installation at THS Head End
• Comcast maintenance of the Ingall Street transmission line for TCAM broadcast signal
• Discussion regarding Comcast or Verizon services for the new Fire and Police facility on County St Rt 140
• Funding changes for Cable License Renewal and improvements to TCAM and TEN

Department of Human Services / Council on Aging

The Department of Human Services Board will hear the Director’s Report and review updates on outreach, SHINE, Community EMS, center programming, the Community Relations Program, the Emergency Fund, and the Taunton Opioid Task Force. It will also receive updates on department funding, personnel matters, and a renovation project. The board will approve the minutes from the August 20, 2025 meeting and schedule the next meeting for December 10, 2025.

• Director’s Report by Charlene Bonenfant, LICSW
• Program updates: Outreach, SHINE, Community EMS
• Center activities and programming updates
• Community Relations Program, Emergency Fund, Taunton Opioid Task Force updates
• Department updates: funding, personnel, renovation

License Commission

The Board of License Commissioners will meet to consider requests for extended hours and special permits. The body will also review business entity changes and a temporary closure notification.

• Bobby’s Place (60-62 Weir Street): Request to extend hours to 2:00 a.m. for Thanksgiving Eve and New Year’s Eve
• Manet Community Health (1 Washington Street): Special Alcohol Permit application for November 13
• Joao Vaz Restaurant, LLC d/b/a T.J.’s Diner (4 Alger Avenue): Application to change business entity and DBA
• Deep Pond Farm (123 Dolan Circle): Notification of temporary closure from 11/17/25 to 11/27/25
• Platinum City Gaming (294 Winthrop Street): Discussion of operation and entertainment hours

The License Commissioners unanimously accepted the October 8, 2025 minutes. They also unanimously approved extending Bobby’s Place operating hours to 2 a.m. on the evenings before Thanksgiving and Christmas, changed the DBA for Joao Vaz Restaurant, LLC from T.J.’s Diner to Fogo Island Bar and Grill, and authorized Deep Pond Farm’s temporary closure from 11/17 to 11/27 and its seasonal closure on 12/21/25. Additionally, the board unanimously voted to continue the Entertainment One Stop Shop matter to December 10 and to send a letter to Mr. Gardner.

• Accepted October 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Bobby’s Place hour extension to 2 a.m. on Thanksgiving and Christmas eves (unanimous)
• Approved DBA change for Joao Vaz Restaurant, LLC to Fogo Island Bar and Grill (unanimous)
• Approved Deep Pond Farm closure 11/17‑11/27 and seasonal closure on 12/21/25 (unanimous)
• Approved continuation of Entertainment One Stop Shop matter to Dec 10 and letter to Mr. Gardner (unanimous)

City Council

The Municipal Council will meet on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 7:30 AM to observe Veteran’s Day and conduct public input. The council will appoint Colleen Doherty to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, note the resignation of Patrolman Nicholas Bagge, and consider a request to schedule the FY2026 Tax Classification Hearing. Two petitions requiring public hearings will also be presented: a new electric pole on Norton Avenue and a new flammable storage license at 200 Myricks Street.

• Appointment of Colleen Doherty (58 Pine Tree Lane, Raynham) to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board
• Resignation of Patrolman Nicholas Bagge from the Taunton Police Department effective November 10, 2025
• Petition for a new sole electric pole on Norton Avenue (public hearing required)
• Petition for a new flammable storage license at 200 Myricks Street for 32,000 gal gasoline and 8,000 gal diesel (public hearing required)
• Board of Assessors request to schedule FY2026 Tax Classification Hearing, proposed for November 18, 2025

The council approved an accounts payable warrant for $4,649,528.75 and a payroll warrant in absentia. It appointed Colleen Doherty to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board and accepted the police chief’s notice of resignation. The council referred the FY2026 tax classification hearing, a new electric pole on Norton Avenue, and a new flammable storage license at 200 Myricks Street to the City Clerk for public‑hearing processing.

• Approved accounts payable warrant for $4,649,528.75 (motion passed)
• Approved payroll warrant in absentia (motion passed)
• Approved appointment of Colleen Doherty to Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board (motion passed)
• Received and placed on file the police chief’s resignation (motion passed)
• Referred FY2026 Tax Classification Hearing to full council on Nov 18 (motion passed)
• Referred pole location petition on Norton Avenue to City Clerk for public hearing (motion passed)
• Referred flammable storage license petition for 200 Myricks Street to City Clerk for public hearing (motion passed)

City Council

The Committee on Finance and Salaries will meet to approve previous minutes and review weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments.

• Review of weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments

The City Council approved the minutes from the November 3, 2025 meeting. It also approved the payroll warrant in absentia and an accounts payable warrant for $4,649,528.75. The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 AM.

• Approved November 3 minutes
• Approved payroll warrant in absentia
• Approved accounts payable warrant of $4,649,528.75
• Adjourned meeting at 7:33 AM

Planning Board

The Planning Board will approve the minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting. It will continue public hearings on several pending applications, including a repetitive petition for 120R Berkley St., a special permit for a quick‑serve restaurant at 293 Winthrop St., and a subdivision modification at Richmond Pond Estates. New business includes a lot release request for Massasoit Estates, a site‑plan review and special permit for a four‑story mixed‑use building at 21 Fruit St., and several other site‑plan and special‑permit applications on County St., Myricks Street, Bay St., and others. The board will also receive a resident letter about street trees.

• Repetitive petition for 120R Berkley St. – new proposal for a six‑bin enclosed material conveyor (Dauphanais Concrete, Inc.)
• Special permit/site plan for 293 Winthrop St. – 2,240 sq ft quick‑serve restaurant with drive‑thru and 3,600 sq ft retail building, request for 50% reduction in side and front landscaping buffers
• Subdivision modification for Richmond Pond Estates – curtain drain and duplexes on six lots off Brookside Avenue
• Site‑plan review and special permit for 21 Fruit St. – reconstruction into a four‑story mixed‑use building with 14 residential units, 100% bonus density, and parking waiver
• Special permit for County St., Prop. L.D. 108‑32 – construction of a 4,980 sq ft retail building (Honeycomb Ventures, LLC)

The Planning Board granted several continuances, moving pending applications to the December 4 meeting. It approved the Richmond Pond Estates subdivision modification with department comments and assigned the next outside consultant. The board also approved the release of six Massasoit Estates lots contingent on payment of $26,452 per lot and forwarded a letter to the Law Department about consultant rate procedures.

• Approved continuance of Myricks Street site plan to Dec 4 (all in favor)
• Approved continuance of Berkley St. repetitive petition to Dec 4 (all in favor)
• Approved continuance of 293 Winthrop St. site plan to Dec 4 (all in favor)
• Approved placement of department comments on file for Richmond Pond Estates (all in favor)
• Approved Richmond Pond Estates modification with department comments (all in favor)
• Approved assignment of next outside consultant from the list (all in favor)
• Approved forwarding a letter to Law Dept., City Planner, and City Engineer on consultant rates (all in favor)
• Approved release of six Massasoit Estates lots upon receipt of $26,452 per lot (all in favor)

TMLP Commission

The Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant Commission will consider awarding sealed bids and proposals. It will review a major project request for a 2026 Unit 9 outage and a donation request for the 2025 Lights on Festival. The meeting also includes an appreciation plaque for the 2025 Raynham Community Day Celebration and a retirement notice for Tim Entwistle effective November 17, 2025. An executive session will cover competitive advantage and contract negotiations.

• Award of sealed bids and/or proposals
• Major Project Request – 2026 Unit 9 Outage
• Request from Lights on Committee: Donation for 2025 Lights on Festival
• Appreciation Plaque – 2025 Raynham Community Day Celebration
• Retirement of Tim Entwistle effective November 17, 2025

Conservation Commission

The Taunton Conservation Commission will approve minutes from a previous meeting and hear public hearings on various development projects, including sewer extensions, wetland delineations, and single-family home construction. The body will also review its fee structure compared to other municipalities.

• Approval of minutes from October 6, 2025
• Public hearing on 45 and 30I Davis Street sewer extension
• Public hearing on Madison Lily Drive single-family home construction
• Review of Conservation Commission fees versus other cities and towns
• Discussion on invasive Spotted Lanternfly information

The Taunton Conservation Commission approved the minutes from the October 6 meeting and unanimously approved a conservation restriction that will protect 18.9 acres at Gracey Estates. It also issued certificates of compliance for projects at 460 Tremont Street and 64 Worcester Street, approved a septic system repair at 137 Joanne Drive with special conditions and a negative determination, approved a sewer‑main extension serving 45 and 301 Davis Street pending a letter from NHESP, and approved wetland delineation at Winthrop Lane.

• Approved Grant of Conservation Restriction for Gracey Estates (all in favor)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 460 Tremont Street project (all in favor)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 64 Worcester Street project (all in favor)
• Approved septic system repair at 137 Joanne Drive with special conditions and negative determination (all in favor)
• Approved sewer main extension at 45 and 301 Davis Street, pending NHESP letter (all in favor)
• Approved wetland delineation at Winthrop Lane (all in favor)
• Approved minutes of 10/06/25 (all in favor)

City Council

The City Council will receive a communication from the Chief Financial Officer. The item provides information regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

• Communication from Chief Financial Officer regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

City Council

The Municipal Council will meet on November 3, 2025 at 7:30 AM in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. The Committee on Police and License will discuss a petition to renew the Hours of Operations License for Entertainment One Stop Shop, LLC dba Platinum City Gaming at 294 Winthrop Street, extending its daily closing time to 2:00 am. The Committee on Finance and Salaries will review weekly vouchers and payroll and consider a fire‑department request to reimburse $2,877.75 for a prior civil‑service promotional exam. Both committees will approve minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting.

• Petition to renew Hours of Operations License for Entertainment One Stop Shop, LLC dba Platinum City Gaming at 294 Winthrop Street, extending hours to 2:00 am (Nov 3 2025 – Nov 2 2026)
• Fire Department request for reimbursement of $2,877.75 for a prior‑year civil‑service promotional exam
• Approval of minutes from October 28, 2025 meeting – Committee on Finance and Salaries
• Approval of minutes from October 28, 2025 meeting – Committee on Police and License
• Review of weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments – Committee on Finance and Salaries

The City Council approved two emergency SNAP amendments authorizing grocery gift cards and fuel assistance for residents affected by the federal shutdown, each expiring November 30, 2025. It also approved a $6,595,130.46 accounts payable warrant, a payroll warrant in absentia, and a $2,877.75 fire‑department reimbursement. Additional actions included approving a retirement acknowledgment for Officer Shawn R. Silvia, approving a Bingo event request, and referring a license renewal for Red Shift Donuts to the Police and License Committee. The council tabled the Hours of Operation License issue for three weeks pending a Liquor Commission meeting.

• Approved temporary SNAP gift‑card amendment (expires Nov 30 2025)
• Approved temporary SNAP fuel assistance amendment (expires Nov 30 2025)
• Approved accounts payable warrant for $6,595,130.46
• Approved payroll warrant in absentia
• Approved fire‑department civil service exam reimbursement of $2,877.75
• Approved retirement acknowledgment for Officer Shawn R. Silvia
• Approved Bingo event request for Dec 5 2025
• Tabled Hours of Operation License issue for three weeks

City Council

The Committee on Finance and Salaries will review city payroll and a specific reimbursement request. The Committee on Police and License will consider a license renewal for a gaming business. These meetings are scheduled for November 3, 2025.

• Fire Department request for prior year civil service promotional exam reimbursements totaling $2,877.75
• Hours of Operations License renewal for Entertainment One Stop Shop, LLC dba Platinum City Gaming at 294 Winthrop Street to stay open until 2:00am

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved the meeting minutes from October 28, 2025. It also approved the payroll warrant, an accounts payable warrant for $6,595,130.46, and a fire‑department reimbursement of $2,877.75. The committee then adjourned the meeting at 7:33 AM.

• Approved October 28, 2025 minutes
• Approved payroll warrant in absentia
• Approved accounts payable warrant for $6,595,130.46
• Approved fire department exam reimbursement of $2,877.75
• Adjourned meeting at 7:33 AM

Americans with Disabilities Act Commission

The Taunton Commission for Individuals with Disabilities will meet to review ADA-related matters. The agenda includes public input and a Chairman’s discussion of updates such as a variance hearing for Union Block Condominium, evaluations of current locations, common ADA areas, and recent site plans. No formal decisions are listed; the items are for discussion.

• Update on ADA issues: Union Block Condominium variance hearing
• Evaluation of current locations needing ADA assessments
• Review of common ADA areas for the city
• Discussion of recent site plans and related ADA issues

The Taunton ADA Commission met on October 29, 2025 at City Hall. Members discussed several ADA-related projects, including a variance hearing for Union Block Condominiums and accessibility concerns at First Parish, Center on Main, Taunton Depot Drive, and a new playground design. No formal approvals, denials, or vote tallies were recorded; only procedural motions to approve the September minutes and to adjourn were made.

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding a new used car dealer license and the installation of a utility pole. The body will also review requests for a personal kennel license, a livery license, and a second-hand article license.

• Hearing on a joint petition by Verizon New England, Inc. and Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant for a new joint pole (EL-35S) on East Broadway
• Hearing on a Class II License for John’s Auto Repair LLC at 390 Cape Road
• Petition for a Grade I (4-6 dogs) Personal Kennel License for Cynthia Monti at 1325 South Precinct Street
• Petition for a new Livery License for Life Step Companion & Transport Services at 763 South Precinct Street
• Petition for a new Second Hand Article License for Anything but Jaded Vintage at 112 Chris Drive

The Municipal Council approved the payroll warrant for $4,808,089.57 and the accounts payable warrant for $1,186,419.90. It also approved a joint pole petition by Verizon New England, Inc. and the Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant on East Broadway, and a Class II license for John’s Auto Repair LLC. Additional approvals included a conservation restriction grant for Gracey Estates and the payment of a $2,877.75 civil‑service exam reimbursement.

• Approved Verizon joint pole petition on East Broadway (utility infrastructure)
• Approved Class II license for John’s Auto Repair LLC (business license)
• Approved Grant of Conservation Restriction for Gracey Estates subdivision
• Approved payroll warrant in the amount $4,808,089.57 (finance)
• Approved accounts payable warrant in the amount $1,186,419.90 (finance)
• Approved payment of $2,877.75 for civil‑service promotional exam reimbursements (public safety)
• Received and placed on file the Safety Officer speeding report for Davis Street
• Received and placed on file the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission notice of KENO monitor install at The Local Shoppe

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee will approve its October 21 minutes and review weekly vouchers and payroll for city departments. The Police and License Committee will approve its September 2 minutes and consider petitions to renew or modify hours‑of‑operation licenses for several businesses, as well as new livery and second‑hand article licenses. The Committee of the Whole will discuss an Open Meeting Law complaint and hold executive‑session talks on election interference allegations and council rule enforcement.

• Approve Finance Committee minutes from October 21, 2025
• Review weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments (Finance Committee)
• Approve Police & License Committee minutes from September 2, 2025
• Consider renewal of Hours of Operations Licenses for businesses such as Bobby’s Place, Inc. (60 Weir St.), Broadway Quick & Clean Car Wash, Inc. (175 Broadway), Creative Fitness Solutions, Inc. (225 Cape Highway), CVS Pharmacy #41 (284 Winthrop St.), and Entertainment One Stop Shop, LLC (294 Winthrop St.)
• Consider new Livery License petition for WJB Transportation Services, LLC (447 Broadway, 3 vehicles) and new Second Hand Article License for Silver City Thrift (384 Bay St.)

The Council approved a payroll warrant for $4,808,089.57 and an accounts‑payable warrant for $1,186,419.90. It approved several 24‑hour business licenses, tabled a change to the Platinum City Gaming hours, and approved a new livery license and an address change for The King’s Court Gaming. The Council voted 8‑1 to let the Law Department send a response to an Open Meeting Law complaint, and later voted to table the discussion on alleged election‑night vote interference.

• Approved payroll warrant $4,808,089.57 (Finance Committee)
• Approved accounts payable warrant $1,186,419.90 (Finance Committee)
• Approved 24/7 license for Broadway Quick & Clean Car Wash (Police & License Committee)
• Tabled Entertainment One Stop Shop license hour change (Police & License Committee)
• Approved new livery license for WJB Transportation Services (3 vehicles) (Police & License Committee)
• Approved address change for The King’s Court Gaming (Police & License Committee)
• Authorized Law Department to send response to Open Meeting Law complaint (8‑1 vote) (Committee of Whole)
• Voted to table discussion on alleged election‑night vote interference (Committee of Whole)

Agricultural Commission

The Agricultural Commission will consider and act on applications for junior members. It will also review items related to its draft work plan and subcommittees. Additionally, the commission will nominate and appoint a chair, vice chair, and clerk.

• Review/Discuss/Act on Junior Member applications
• Review/Discuss/Act on items relative to the Commission’s Draft Work Plan
• Review/Discuss/Act on items relative to the Commission’s Subcommittees
• Nomination & appointment of Commission Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Items not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a variance for a home addition and a special permit for a mixed-use conversion. The board will also review the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Case #3823: Variance request for a 744 sq. ft. addition at 176 Richmond St. with a 12.3-foot side setback
• Case #3824: Special permit for 7 St. Mary’s Square to change use from driving school to retail, 4 apartments, and a barbershop
• Approval of August 28 minutes
• Establishment of the 2026 meeting schedule

The board accepted the minutes from the August 28 meeting. It approved a variance allowing a 744‑sq‑ft addition at 176 Richmond St. and granted a special permit to convert a former driving school at 7 St. Mary’s Square to retail with apartments. The schedule for the 2026 meeting was tabled and the meeting adjourned at 6:16 PM.

• Accepted minutes of 8/28/25 (unanimous approval)
• Granted variance for 176 Richmond St. addition (approved)
• Granted special permit for 7 St. Mary’s Square retail conversion (approved)
• Tabled 2026 meeting schedule to next month

Taunton Redevelopment Authority

The Taunton Redevelopment Authority will review the September 25 minutes and receive updates on the Whittenton Urban Renewal Plan, the Harvey Street property, and a court‑appointed receivership program. Members will discuss the State Supreme Court decision in Cobble Hill Center LLC v. Somerville Redevelopment Authority and consider possible demonstration projects. The agenda also includes a property acquisition discussion, the treasurer’s report, and executive director updates.

• Review and approve minutes of September 25
• Whittenton Urban Renewal Plan update
• Harvey Street property update
• Planning and budget discussion for TRA Court Appointed Receivership Program (MGL Chapter 111, Section 1271)
• Summary of State Supreme Court ruling in Cobble Hill Center LLC v. Somerville Redevelopment Authority

The board approved the minutes from the September 25 meeting. The rest of the session consisted of updates on the URP timeline, Harvey Street attorney response, bond requirements, a Supreme Court ruling, property acquisition status, treasury balance, and executive director reports. No other actions were taken.

• Approved September 25 minutes (unanimous)

Parks, Cemeteries & Public Grounds Commission

The Parks, Cemeteries & Public Grounds Commission will meet on October 21, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in Taunton. The agenda includes routine reports on cemeteries, burials, maintenance, recreation, and the commissioner. The commission will receive updates on capital improvement projects at Memorial Park (Phase 1 and Phase 2) and Davol Park. No specific decisions or proposals are listed beyond these updates.

• Cemetery Report
• Monthly Burial Report
• Memorial Park Phase 1 capital improvement update
• Memorial Park Phase 2 capital improvement update
• Davol Park renovation update

City Council

The Municipal Council will review requests for Election Day police detail coverage and the official warrant for the November 4, 2025 City Election. The meeting also includes reports from the City Solicitor and updates on a home rule petition regarding the Police Chief.

• Approval of police detail coverage for the November 4, 2025 City Election
• Approval of the warrant for the November 4, 2025 City Election
• Public input request for stop signs at Sao Paulo Avenue, Round Street, and Hodges Street
• Withdrawal of Verizon New England, Inc. petition for cable placement at 90 County Street
• Update on home rule petition (S2643) to extend Police Chief Edward Walsh's service to age 70

The City Council approved the October 14 meeting minutes and authorized payroll and accounts‑payable warrants for $1,824,819.25 and $2,305,020.59 respectively. It also approved a $7,800 invoice transfer, accepted the withdrawal of Verizon’s opti‑drop cable petition, and referred several items for further review or filing.

• Approved minutes from October 14, 2025 (so voted)
• Approved payroll warrant of $1,824,819.25 (so voted)
• Approved accounts‑payable warrant of $2,305,020.59 (so voted)
• Approved $7,800 invoice transfer request (so voted)
• Approved withdrawal of Verizon New England opti‑drop cable petition without prejudice (so voted)
• Received and placed on file public‑input documents submitted by citizens (so voted)
• Referred to Safety Officer and DPW for expedited review of Sao Paulo Ave & Round St intersection (so voted)
• Referred to Mayor’s office for an update on CSX and South Coast Rail issues (so voted)

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee will approve its October 14 minutes, review departmental vouchers and payroll, and discuss a request to pay a prior‑year invoice of $7,800 by transferring funds between city accounts. The Committee of the Whole will approve its October 7 minutes and consider buying nine tablets, one for each councilor. No final decisions are recorded on these items at this meeting.

• Approve minutes from October 14, 2025 (Finance and Salaries Committee)
• Review weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments
• Discuss payment of a prior‑year invoice of $7,800 (transfer from account 01-182-5200-5319 to 01-182-5520-5999)
• Approve minutes from October 7, 2025 (Committee of the Whole)
• Discuss possible purchase of nine tablets, one for each councilor

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved the meeting minutes from October 14, 2025. It also approved a payroll warrant for $1,824,819.25 and an accounts payable warrant for $2,305,020.59, as well as a $7,800 prior‑year invoice payment. The Committee of the Whole approved the minutes from October 7, 2025 and both committees adjourned their meetings.

• Approved October 14, 2025 minutes (Committee on Finance and Salaries)
• Approved payroll warrant of $1,824,819.25 (Committee on Finance and Salaries)
• Approved accounts payable warrant of $2,305,020.59 (Committee on Finance and Salaries)
• Approved $7,800 prior‑year invoice payment (Committee on Finance and Salaries)
• Adjourned Committee on Finance and Salaries meeting at 6:34 PM
• Approved October 7, 2025 minutes (Committee of the Whole)
• Adjourned Committee of the Whole meeting at 6:44 PM

Election Commission

The Taunton Election Commission will review and act on updates to city election procedures, including a new policy for transmitting and returning election equipment, ballots, and unofficial results to City Hall after election night. The commission will also discuss a preliminary election update, a city election update, and the posting of an Election Observations Expectations poster and related infographics on the website and in City Hall. Minutes from the August 18 and September 16, 2025 meetings will be approved.

• Review/Discuss/Act: Preliminary Election Update
• Review/Discuss/Act: City Election Update
• Review/Discuss/Act: Election Night Transmission and Return of Election Equipment, Ballots, and Unofficial Results to City Hall Policy
• Review/Discuss/Act: Election Observations Expectations Poster/MGL Infographics
• Review/Discuss/Act: Posting of policy and poster on website and City Hall

The Election Commission approved the minutes from the August 18 and September 16 meetings. It unanimously adopted a policy for Election Night transmission and return of equipment, ballots, and unofficial results to City Hall. The Commission also adopted the Election Observation Expectations poster and Massachusetts General Laws postings, and ordered them to be posted on the city website, at all polling locations, at City Hall on Election Day, and included in candidate information packets.

• Approved August 18, 2025 and September 16, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted policy for Election Night transmission and return of equipment, ballots, and unofficial results to City Hall (unanimous)
• Adopted Election Observation Expectations poster and MGL law postings (unanimous)
• Ordered policy, poster, and law postings to be displayed on city website, at all polling locations, and at City Hall on Election Day (unanimous)
• Added the policy, poster, and law postings to candidate information packets (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Taunton Historic District Commission meeting scheduled for October 16, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No agenda items were approved, discussed, or decided. The listed items (Dean Street projects, Church Green signs and ramp) remain pending.

• 24 Dean Street Shed
• 44 Dean Street Plaque (name and date clarification)
• 40 Dean Street Window Trim
• 14 Church Green Signs
• 14 Church Green Ramp

Library Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review September FY25 financial and circulation reports. The meeting includes discussions on a sharps kiosk, a vendor, and community workshops.

• Sharps Kiosk
• Baker and Taylor Vendor
• Drug Endangered Children Workshop
• Sesame Street Collaboration
• Building Maintenance Update

Department of Human Services / Council on Aging

The Department of Human Services Board will meet to approve minutes, review program updates including outreach and opioid task force efforts, and discuss renovation progress. The meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2025.

• Approval of August 20, 2025 minutes
• Review of Outreach/SHINE/Community EMS updates
• Review of Community Relations Program/Emergency Fund
• Discussion of Renovation Update
• Next meeting set for November 19, 2025

Board of Health

The Taunton Board of Health will approve the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes and discuss several pending items. A hearing will be held to conclude the 6‑month food‑consultant order for Mimi’s Diner. The board will also consider a tobacco‑fine payment issue for Bins Mart, an update to the Willow Terrace consent order, and proposed pest‑control regulations for all permitted food establishments.

• Approval of September 9, 2025 Board of Health meeting minutes
• Hearing on Mimi’s Diner to end a 6‑month food consultant order
• Discussion of payment of a tobacco fine for Bins Mart, 309 Whittenton Street
• Update to the Willow Terrace consent order
• Review of proposed local pest‑control regulations for permitted food establishments

The Board of Health approved the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes. It adopted a $5,000 payment plan for Bins Mart’s tobacco fine, with monthly $500 payments starting October 15, 2025. The board approved the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) local regulations, effective immediately on October 14, 2025. It also allowed the food‑safety order for Mimi’s Diner to expire and tabled the proposed pest‑control regulations for food establishments pending public input.

• Approved September 9, 2025 Board of Health minutes (2-0)
• Approved Bins Mart $5,000 payment plan, $500 monthly starting Oct 15 (3-0)
• Expired Mimi’s Diner food‑safety order (no vote recorded)
• Approved ADU local regulations, effective Oct 14, 2025 (3-0)
• Tabled pest‑control regulations for food establishments (decision to table)
• Accepted Todd Pilling’s consent order and septic plan report (3-0)
• Accepted Daniel Ross’s sanitary inspector report (3-0)
• Accepted Eileen North’s sanitary inspector report (3-0)

City Council

The Municipal Council will hold hearings on a special permit for a 29-unit residential project and proposed zoning changes regarding family and group homes. The body will also consider the re-appointment of the Director of Technology.

• Special Permit request for 29 residential units at 18 Reed Street
• Continued hearing on Zoning Ordinance changes for Family and Group Home definitions
• Re-appointment of Paul Arikian as Director of Technology
• Hours of operation renewal for Garrett’s Family Market at 231 Broadway
• Request to call for a Chief of Police exam by November 30, 2025

The City Council re‑appointed Paul Arikian as Director of Technology for three years. It approved continuations of two public hearings to November 18, 2025. The Council approved a procession request for St. Anthony’s Church and referred a $7,800 invoice and a request for one full‑time police officer to the appropriate committees. A motion to request a police chief exam was withdrawn.

• Re‑appointed Paul Arikian as Director of Technology (approved)
• Approved continuation of 18 Reed Street special permit hearing to Nov 18, 2025 (approved)
• Approved continuation of zoning ordinance hearing to Nov 18, 2025 (approved)
• Received and filed Mayor‑MassDOT train noise update (approved)
• Approved procession permission for St. Anthony’s Church (approved)
• Referred $7,800 invoice to Finance Committee (referred)
• Referred request for one permanent full‑time police officer to Police & License Committee (referred)
• Motion to request police chief exam withdrawn (withdrawn)

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee will approve minutes, review weekly vouchers and payroll, and discuss a Police Department request to pay a prior‑year overtime invoice of $592.64. The committee will also consider a motion on election worker compensation rates and a request to list all ARPA grant expenditures for nonprofits. The Special Committee on Marijuana will approve its minutes and review Host Community Agreement waiver requests for three businesses. The Public Property Committee will approve its minutes and discuss a purchase request for a city‑owned parcel near East Whitehill Street (parcel 65‑423).

• Police Department request to pay prior‑year overtime invoice of $592.64
• Approval of rates of pay for election worker compensation
• Councilor Borges’ request for an itemized list of ARPA grant spending to nonprofits
• Host Community Agreement waiver requests for Cape Highway Canna, LLC (225 Cape Hwy), Freshly Baked Company (264 Broadway), and Trade Group, LLC dba Bloom Canna (721 County Street)
• Purchase request for City‑owned parcel near East Whitehill Street (parcel 65‑423)

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved several warrants, including a $4.76 M payroll warrant and a $1.18 M accounts‑payable warrant, and also approved payment of a $592.64 police invoice and election worker compensation rates. The Special Committee on Marijuana approved its minutes, added two letters to the record, and recommended that the full Council grant Host Community Agreement waivers to Cape Highway Canna, LLC and Trade Group LLC. The Public Property Committee approved its minutes, invited a private party to discuss purchase of a city parcel, referred the issue to the Law Department for drafting steps, and requested information about combining the parcel with adjacent properties.

• Approved Finance Committee minutes (Oct 7, 2025)
• Approved payroll warrant $4,760,793.10
• Approved accounts payable warrant $1,179,465.00
• Approved police department invoice payment $592.64
• Approved election worker compensation rates
• Approved Marijuana Committee minutes (Oct 8, 2025)
• Recommended Host Community Agreement waivers for Cape Highway Canna, LLC and Trade Group LLC (7‑1 vote)
• Approved Public Property Committee minutes (Aug 26, 2025)

Golf Commission

The Taunton Golf Commission will review and accept the September 11 minutes. It will discuss the switch of the ATM machine and its benefits. The commission will consider reimbursements for the 5" tee box construction and review new plans from Morton Buildings. Additional agenda items include a report from operator Ed Keyes, building‑committee updates, and a public input period.

• Review and accept minutes from the September 11 meeting
• Discuss the switch of the ATM machine and its benefits
• Consider reimbursements for the 5" tee box construction
• Review new plans from Morton Buildings
• Operator Ed Keyes report

License Commission

The Taunton License Commissioners will consider several applications for new and amended licenses. Items include a special permit for the Downtown Taunton Foundation at 8 Trescott Street, a change of operating hours for Talisa’s on Main, common victualler’s licenses for Coffee Connection Express, and lodging house licenses for multiple properties. The commission will also review special alcohol permits for events at the Taunton Performing Art Center.

• Downtown Taunton Foundation – Special Permit for 8 Trescott Street (Oct 23 2025, 6:00‑8:00 p.m.)
• Talisa’s on Main, 65 Main Street – Change of Hours
• Coffee Connection Express – Common Victualler’s Licenses for 2318 Bay Street and 1095 County Street
• Lodging House Licenses for 44 Summer Street; 166 Winthrop Street; 305 Bay Street; 62 & 64 Broadway; 72 Broadway; 60‑62 Weir Street
• Talisa Proctor – Special Alcohol Permits for events at Taunton Performing Art Center, 21 Main Street (Nov 1 2025 and Oct 16‑19, 24 2025)

The License Commissioners unanimously approved a special permit for the Downtown Taunton Foundation event on October 23. They also approved a change of operating hours for Talisa’s on Main and multiple special alcohol permits for Talisa Proctor at the Taunton Performing Arts Center. Common Victualler’s Licenses were granted to Coffee Connection Express locations, and Lodging House Licenses were approved for several applicants. Finally, the board voted to add a discussion of the $150 special‑permit fee schedule to the next meeting agenda.

• Approved special permit for Downtown Taunton Foundation, 8 Trescott St, Oct 23 (unanimously passed)
• Approved change of hours for Talisa’s on Main, 65 Main St (unanimously passed)
• Approved special alcohol permit for Talisa Proctor, TPAC 21 Main St, Nov 1, 6‑10 p.m. (unanimously passed)
• Approved special alcohol permits for Talisa Proctor, TPAC 21 Main St, Oct 16‑19 & 24 (unanimously passed)
• Approved Common Victualler’s License for Coffee Connection Express, 2318 Bay St (unanimously passed)
• Approved Common Victualler’s License for Coffee Connection Express, 1095 County St (unanimously passed)
• Approved Lodging House Licenses for listed applicants (unanimously passed)
• Added fee‑schedule discussion and $150 special‑permit fee requirement to next agenda (unanimously passed)

City Council

The Council’s Special Committee on Marijuana will meet to review requests for Host Community Agreement Waivers. The committee will also approve minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting.

• Host Community Agreement Waiver request: Cape Highway Canna, LLC, 225 Cape Hwy, East Taunton
• Host Community Agreement Waiver request: Freshly Baked Company, 264 Broadway, Taunton
• Host Community Agreement Waiver request: Trade Group, LLC dba Bloom Canna, 721 County Street, Taunton

The Special Committee on Marijuana voted to open and then close public input on the waiver requests. The committee also voted to refer the three applicants—Cape Highway Canna, Bloom Canna, and Freshly Baked—in order of their scoring to the Full Council. The minutes of the September 8, 2025 meeting were approved and the session was adjourned at 6:17 PM.

• Opened public input on waiver requests (motion passed)
• Closed public input on waiver requests (motion passed)
• Referred applicant list to Full Council (motion passed)
• Approved September 8, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:17 PM (motion passed)

City Council

The City Council will hold hearings on a Verizon utility petition and a personal kennel license. New business includes proposals to discuss affordable housing requirements for large residential projects and a report on alleged vote tabulation interference from September 23.

• Hearing on Verizon New England, Inc. petition for opti drop cable at 90 County Street
• Hearing for Stephanie Santos for a Grade 1 Personal Kennel License at 1536 Somerset Avenue
• Proposed discussion on ordinances requiring affordable housing in large residential projects
• Request for report on alleged interference of vote tabulation and reporting on September 23
• Proposed purchase of nine tablets for City Councilors

The council approved the September 30, 2025 meeting minutes and authorized a payroll warrant for $1.8 M and an accounts‑payable warrant for $8.99 M. It granted a personal kennel license to Stephanie Santos after public input. The council also extended the Verizon New England public hearing to October 21, 2025.

• Approved accounts‑payable warrant for $8,988,822.17
• Approved payroll warrant for $1,815,963.56
• Approved personal kennel license for 1536 Somerset Avenue
• Extended Verizon New England public hearing to Oct 21, 2025
• Approved retirement acknowledgment for Nicholas W. Garnett, Police Dept.
• Referred Police invoice $592.64 to Committee on Finance and Salaries
• Referred Home Rule petition for Pi Patel’s alcohol sales to Committee of the Whole, Law Dept., and License Commission
• Referred discussion on affordable‑housing requirements in large residential projects to Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee will approve minutes from September 30, 2025 and review weekly vouchers and payroll for city departments. The Department of Public Works Committee will approve minutes from June 24, 2025 and discuss street opening requests on Somerset Avenue near 58 Lawton Street and on Riverside Avenue near 202 High Street. The Committee of the Whole will approve minutes from September 30, 2025 and continue discussion on the Rules of the Council.

• Approve minutes for the Finance and Salaries Committee (Sept. 30, 2025)
• Review weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments
• Approve minutes for the Department of Public Works Committee (June 24, 2025)
• Street opening request on Somerset Avenue near 58 Lawton Street
• Street opening request on Riverside Avenue near 202 High Street

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved payroll and accounts payable warrants totaling about $10.8 million. The Public Works Committee approved street opening requests for Somerset Avenue and Riverside Avenue after public input. The Committee of the Whole approved several new council committees but rejected a proposal to limit public input to three minutes per speaker.

• Approved payroll warrant for $1,815,963.56 (Finance Committee)
• Approved accounts payable warrant for $8,988,822.17 (Finance Committee)
• Approved street opening on Somerset Avenue near 58 Lawton Street (DPW Committee)
• Approved street opening on Riverside Avenue near 202 High Street (DPW Committee)
• Approved Committee on Public Property and Information Technology (Committee of Whole)
• Approved Committee on Public Health and Human Services (Committee of Whole)
• Approved Committee on Housing and Economic Development with restructuring (Committee of Whole)
• Motion to limit public input to three minutes per person failed (Committee of Whole)

Conservation Commission

The Taunton Conservation Commission will consider approvals for wetland delineations at several sites and notices of intent for two single‑family homes on Gracey Way. It will also close out existing orders of conditions for four properties and note ongoing violations at two addresses. The meeting includes routine approval of minutes and discussion of next year’s schedule.

• Close out Order of Conditions for 393 Caswell St, 123 Dolan Circle, 15 Gracey Way, and 39 Gracey Way
• Approve wetland delineation for Bear Hole and Highstone Street properties (ANRAD SE73-3130)
• Approve wetland delineation for 305 and 311 Winthrop Street (ANRAD SE73-3143)
• Approve notices of intent for single‑family homes on Lot 4 and Lot 7, 0 Gracey Way (SE73-3141, SE73-3142)
• Record continued violations at 315 Broadway and 66 Rankin Road

The Conservation Commission approved the Notice of Intent for OGrace Way, Lot 4, adding specific conditions. The commission also issued Certificates of Compliance for several development projects and opened a public hearing on a wetland delineation, later approving an ORAD pending a review letter. All actions were adopted with unanimous support.

• Approved 9/15/25 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Issued COC for 393 Caswell Street (all in favor)
• Issued COC for 123 Dolan Circle (all in favor)
• Issued COC for 15 Gracey Way (all in favor)
• Issued COC for 39 Gracey Way (all in favor)
• Opened public hearing for OBear Hole & 0 Highstone Street ANRAD (all in favor)
• Approved ORAD for OBear Hole & 0 Highstone Street, pending review letter (all in favor)
• Approved NOI for OGrace Way Lot 4 with conditions (all in favor)

License Commission

The Board of License Commissioners will review an application from Black Hat Brew Works for a special alcohol permit at 4 Westcoat Drive in East Taunton. The permit would allow service of alcohol on October 4, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The commission will decide whether to grant the permit.

• Black Hat Brew Works – special alcohol permit application for 4 Westcoat Drive, East Taunton (Oct 4, 2025, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.)

The Taunton Board of License Commissioners held a virtual special meeting on October 3, 2025. Commissioner Brendan Mullen moved to approve a special alcohol permit for Black Hat Brew Works at 4 Westcoat Drive, East Taunton, for October 4, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously by roll call vote.

• Approved special alcohol permit for Black Hat Brew Works at 4 Westcoat Drive (unanimous)

License Commission

The Board of License Commissioners will meet to review a single application for a special alcohol permit. The request is for a specific date and time window in East Taunton.

• Special Alcohol Permit application for Black Hat Brew Works at 4 Westcoat Drive, East Taunton for October 4, 2025

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Taunton Local Emergency Planning Committee will meet on October 2, 2025 at City Hall. The agenda includes public comment, introductions, approval of the May 8, 2025 meeting minutes, updates from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, and a simulated train‑crossing collision tabletop exercise. No other specific actions or decisions are listed beyond approving the minutes and discussing the tabletop exercise. The meeting will end with setting the date for the next session.

• Approval of May 8, 2025 TEPC meeting minutes
• MEMA updates
• Simulated train crossing collision tabletop presentation

Planning Board

The Taunton Planning Board will consider a site‑plan review for 186 Broadway to permit an auto‑sale dealership alongside an existing retail store. It will also hear a definitive subdivision modification for Richmond Pond Estates to add drainage improvements and duplexes on six lots off Brookside Avenue. Additional items include a roadway improvement plan request for Maynard, Little & Hunter Streets, a petition for a material‑conveyor facility at 120R Berkley Street, and a special‑permit request for a quick‑serve restaurant and retail building at 293 Winthrop Street.

• Site‑plan review – 186 Broadway – addition of a 5‑vehicle auto‑sale dealership (MG Motors, Inc.)
• Richmond Pond Estates – subdivision modification – curtain drain, two drainage basins, duplexes on six lots off Brookside Avenue
• Roadway Improvement Plan – Maynard, Little & Hunter Streets – request for lot releases
• Repetitive Petition – 120R Berkley St – proposal for a six‑bin enclosed material conveyor for cement trucks (Dauphinais Concrete, Inc.)
• Special permit/site‑plan – 293 Winthrop St – 2,240 sq ft quick‑serve restaurant with drive‑thru and 3,600 sq ft retail building, with reduced landscaping buffers

The board granted the site‑plan review for 186 Broadway, allowing MG Motors, Inc. to add an auto‑sale dealership with five vehicles, subject to ten specific conditions. The board also granted continuances for the Richmond Pond Estates subdivision modification, the 120R Berkley St. petition, and the 293 Winthrop Street special permit to a later meeting. A motion to release lots was approved contingent on an additional $106,000 surety, bringing total required surety to $346,000 and permitting street‑sign installation. The 2026 Planning Board meeting dates were adopted.

• Approved 186 Broadway auto‑sale dealership site plan with ten conditions (4 in favor)
• Granted continuance for Richmond Pond Estates subdivision modification to Nov 6 (all in favor)
• Granted continuance for 120R Berkley St. petition to Nov 6 (all in favor)
• Granted continuance for 293 Winthrop St. special permit to Nov 6 (all in favor)
• Approved release of lots upon receipt of additional $106,000 surety, total $346,000, and street‑sign installation (all in favor)
• Approved 2026 Planning Board meeting dates in Silver City Conference Room (all in favor)

City Council

The Taunton Municipal Council will hear a presentation on new water rates for manufactured home communities, review a police department invoice payment, and discuss a special permit for a 29-unit residential development. The meeting also includes a public hearing for a new Class II liquor license and a joint pole location.

• Public hearing: New Class II liquor license for John's Auto Repair at 390 Cape Highway
• Public hearing: Joint pole location on East Broadway
• Discussion: Special permit for 29 residential units at 18 Reed Street
• Discussion: New water rate proposal for manufactured home communities
• Discussion: Payment of $100 additional to correct police department invoice

The council approved the September 22 meeting minutes. It authorized the mayor's communications item, then returned to regular order and closed the public input period. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved September 22, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved moving to mayor's communications item (motion passed)
• Approved returning to regular order of business (motion passed)
• Approved closing public input (motion passed)

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee will approve its September 22 minutes, review departmental vouchers and payroll, and consider a $6,000 prior‑year invoice payment for the Parks Department. The Committee of the Whole will approve its September 16 minutes, conduct a pre‑review of a special permit for a 29‑unit residential project at 18 Reed Street, and receive an update on Lake Sabbatia milfoil and smartweed control efforts.

• Approve Finance Committee minutes from September 22, 2025
• Review weekly vouchers and payroll for city departments
• Authorize $6,000 payment for a prior‑year Parks Department invoice
• Pre‑review special permit for 29 residential units at 18 Reed Street
• Update on Lake Sabbatia milfoil and smartweed control

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved the September 22 minutes, a payroll warrant for $5,111,020.56, an accounts payable warrant for $5,551,901.59, and a $6,000 prior‑year invoice payment. The Committee of the Whole approved the September 16 minutes, opened and closed public input on a special permit for 18 Reed Street, and referred several lake‑management items to other bodies. The meeting adjourned at 6:33 PM.

• Approved September 22, 2025 minutes (Finance Committee)
• Approved payroll warrant of $5,111,020.56 (Finance Committee)
• Approved accounts payable warrant of $5,551,901.59 (Finance Committee)
• Approved $6,000 prior‑year invoice payment (Finance Committee)
• Approved September 16, 2025 minutes (Committee of the Whole)
• Opened and then closed public input on special permit for 18 Reed Street (Committee of the Whole)
• Referred parking kiosk revenue issue to the Parking Commission (Committee of the Whole)
• Referred milfoil and smartweed control funding to grant writer and state delegation (Committee of the Whole)

Taunton Redevelopment Authority

The Taunton Redevelopment Authority will meet to review updates on the Whittenton Urban Renewal Plan and a Harvey Street property. The body will also hold a discussion regarding property acquisition.

• Whittenton Urban Renewal Plan update
• Harvey Street Property update
• Property acquisition discussion

The Taunton Redevelopment Authority approved the minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting with a unanimous vote. No other actions were approved; the board discussed upcoming items such as the URP hearing, a Harvey Street contract, and blighted‑property issues, and scheduled the next meeting for October 22.

• Approved August 27 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for Oct 22, 2025 at 3 p.m.

Airport Commission

The Taunton Municipal Airport Commission will meet to review reports from the engineer, manager, and coordinator. The body will discuss a lease and construction update regarding Dr. Young and an upcoming open house scheduled for October 4.

• Dr. Young lease and construction update
• Open House scheduled for October 4 (October 5 rain date)
• Executive session regarding potential litigation

The commission accepted the engineer's report, the FY26 financial report, the manager's report, and the coordinator's report. It voted to lower Avgas by $0.50 per gallon for the upcoming open house. It also approved using airport‑owned land on Middleboro Ave for overflow parking at Deep Pond Farms, pending no FAA issues.

• Approved Engineer's Report (unanimous)
• Approved FY26 Financial Report pending audit (unanimous)
• Approved Airport Manager Report (unanimous)
• Approved Airport Coordinator Report (unanimous)
• Approved $0.50 Avgas price reduction for open house (unanimous)
• Approved overflow parking at Deep Pond Farms pending FAA clearance (unanimous)

Americans with Disabilities Act Commission

The Taunton ADA Commission will review updates on accessibility issues at Union Block Condominium, Congregation Agudath Achim, The Center on Main, and Girlies Variety. Commissioners will also consider locations that still need ADA evaluations, common ADA areas for review, and recent site plans and related issues. No formal decisions are indicated; the agenda focuses on discussion and information sharing.

• Update on ADA issues at Union Block Condominium
• Update on ADA issues at Congregation Agudath Achim
• Update on ADA issues at The Center on Main
• Update on ADA issues at Girlies Variety
• Review of current locations needing ADA evaluations

The commission approved the August 2025 meeting minutes after a motion and second. It granted Congregation Agudath Achim relief to continue work on its lift until March 2026, requiring a progress report by February 1, 2026. The commission noted that the Variance Board denied the 1‑31 Main Street variance request for an accessible entrance. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM following a motion and second.

• Approved August 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed, seconded)
• Granted lift relief to Congregation Agudath Achim until 3/2026; progress report due 1/2/2026
• Noted Variance Board denial of 1‑31 Main Street accessible entrance variance
• Adjourned meeting at 7:00 PM (motion passed, seconded)

TMLP Commission

The Municipal Light Commission will receive updates on TMLP online services and the new website. The body will also discuss the 2026 Home & Outdoor Appliance Rebate Program and a PILOT payment for Fiscal Year 2026.

• Presentation of TMLP's new website
• TMLP 2026 Home & Outdoor Appliance Rebate Program
• PILOT Payment for Fiscal Year 2026 letter from Mayor Shaunna O’Connell
• Executive session regarding contract negotiations and competitive advantage

License Commission

The Taunton License Commission will meet to review a request for a special alcohol permit at 4 Westcoat Drive. The meeting will be held via Zoom and is scheduled for September 22, 2025.

• Review application for special alcohol permit at 4 Westcoat Drive
• Meeting held via Zoom
• Meeting date: September 22, 2025

The Taunton License Commissioners met on September 22, 2025 and considered an application from Talisa Proctor for a special alcohol permit at 4 Westcoat Drive for the Airport’s Bi‑Annual Fall Fest on October 4, 2025. Commissioner Brendan Mullen moved to approve the permit pending resolution of the alcohol transportation plan, and the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The permit was approved with the condition that the alcohol transportation issue be resolved.

• Approved special alcohol permit for 4 Westcoat Drive event, pending transport resolution (unanimous)

City Council

The Taunton Municipal Council will hold a continued hearing on the red‑lined copy of proposed changes to the City Zoning Ordinance dated June 17, 2025. Mayor O’Connell will provide updates on a traffic‑study for a possible truck exclusion in the Crane Avenue South, Norton Avenue, and Dever Drive area, and on assessments of three city properties at 23 Summer St, 50 School St, and 75 Oak St. The council will also consider a petition from Verizon New England for conduit use and a request to approve payment of a $6,000 invoice for park work.

• Continued hearing on proposed changes to the City of Taunton Zoning Ordinance (red‑lined copy, June 17 2025)
• Mayor’s update on a traffic study for a possible truck exclusion in the Crane Avenue South, Norton Avenue, and Dever Drive area
• Mayor’s update on assessment of three buildings (23 Summer St, 50 School St, 75 Oak St) with feasibility study and request for information
• Petition from Verizon New England, Inc. to place an Opti Drop cable in an existing 4‑inch conduit at 90 County Street (public hearing required)
• Request to approve payment of a $6,000 prior‑year invoice to Cryan Landscape Inc. for work at Hopewell Park completed June 20 2025

The council voted 6‑2 to adopt the proposed changes to sections 440‑404 and 440‑Attachment 1 of the zoning ordinance. A public hearing on the remaining sections under 440‑201 was continued to October 14, 2025. The council also approved the city’s payroll warrant and an $11,030,652.61 accounts‑payable warrant, and referred several mayoral updates and citizen petitions to the appropriate committees.

• Approved zoning changes 440‑404 and 440‑Attachment 1 (6‑2)
• Continued public hearing on remaining 440‑201 sections to Oct 14, 2025 (motion passed)
• Approved payroll warrant (motion passed)
• Approved accounts‑payable warrant $11,030,652.61 (motion passed)
• Referred mayor’s truck‑traffic update to file (motion passed)
• Referred $6,000 park invoice to Finance Committee (motion passed)
• Referred speed‑issue on Plain & Dunbar Streets to Safety Officer (motion passed)
• Referred various licensing petitions to Police & License Committee (motion passed)

City Council

The Taunton City Council Finance and Salaries Committee will consider two items. First, it will approve the minutes from the September 16, 2025 meeting. Second, it will review the weekly vouchers and payroll for city departments.

• Approve minutes from September 16, 2025
• Review weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments

The Taunton City Council approved the minutes from the September 16, 2025 meeting. It also approved the payroll warrant in absentia and an accounts payable warrant for $11,030,682.61. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved September 16, 2025 minutes
• Approved payroll warrant in absentia
• Approved accounts payable warrant for $11,030,682.61
• Adjourned meeting

Library Trustees

The Taunton Public Library Board of Trustees will approve the June FY25 meeting minutes, financial report, and circulation report. The board will discuss the state aid allocation for fiscal year 2026, outreach collaborations, policy updates, and new Cengage Gale databases. An update on building maintenance will also be provided.

• Approval of June FY25 Minutes
• Approval of June FY25 Financial Report
• State Aid Fiscal Year 2026
• Outreach and Collaborations
• New Cengage Gale Databases

The trustees accepted the June 2025 minutes, financial report, and circulation report. They approved revisions to the Library’s Museum Passes Program policy. They also approved the purchase of additional Gale databases for student patrons. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved June 2025 minutes (Board approved)
• Approved June 2025 financial report (Board approved)
• Approved June 2025 circulation report (Board approved)
• Approved updated Museum Passes Program policy (Board approved)
• Approved purchase of additional Gale databases (Board approved)
• Adjourned meeting (Board approved)

City Council

The City Council will hold a hearing on a petition to rename Kings Court. The meeting also includes updates from the Mayor on infrastructure projects and the appointment of a new Conservation Commission member.

• Hearing to rename Kings Court to Great Futures Way
• Appointment of Scott Collette to the Conservation Commission
• Petition for The King’s Court Gaming to change business and residential addresses
• Update on the proposed purchase of 525 Somerset Avenue for a new Weir Station fire house
• Update on the County Street Water Main Project scheduled for completion by November 15, 2025

The council approved a $200,000 transfer for road and sidewalk projects and $60,000 for Board of Health vehicle purchases, while tabling a $300,000 repair for the Three Mile River Bridge. It also approved the appointment of Scott Collette to the Conservation Commission and granted the petition to rename Kings Court to Great Futures Way. Payroll and accounts payable warrants of $4,624,588.31 and $3,755,725.25 were approved, along with payment of prior‑year invoices totaling $10,586.10.

• Approved $200,000 transfer for roads and sidewalks
• Approved $60,000 for Board of Health vehicle purchases
• Tabled $300,000 Three Mile River Bridge repair
• Granted petition to rename Kings Court to Great Futures Way
• Approved appointment of Scott Collette to Conservation Commission
• Approved payroll warrant of $4,624,588.31
• Approved accounts payable warrant of $3,755,725.25
• Approved payment of prior‑year invoices totaling $10,586.10

City Council

The Committee on Finance and Salaries will review weekly payroll and requests to pay prior year Fire Department invoices. The committee will also discuss transferring $560,000 from the capital project stabilization fund to specific infrastructure and vehicle projects. The Committee of the Whole will discuss council rules regarding letters and public input.

• Proposed $200,000 transfer for Roads & Sidewalks
• Proposed $300,000 transfer for Three Mile River Bridge Repairs
• Proposed $60,000 transfer for BOH Vehicle Purchases
• Request to pay $10,586.10 in prior year Fire Department invoices
• Discussion on Council Rules regarding letter submissions and public input

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved the September 9 meeting minutes, the payroll warrant for $4,624,588.31 and the accounts‑payable warrant for $3,755,725.25. It also authorized payment of $10,586.10 in prior‑year fire‑department invoices. The committee tabled the $300,000 Three Mile River Bridge repair request and approved $200,000 for roads‑and‑sidewalks work and $60,000 for Board of Health vehicle purchases. The Committee of the Whole approved the September 2 meeting minutes.

• Approved September 9, 2025 minutes (Finance Committee)
• Approved payroll warrant of $4,624,588.31
• Approved accounts‑payable warrant of $3,755,725.25
• Authorized payment of $10,586.10 in prior‑year fire invoices
• Tabled $300,000 Three Mile River Bridge repair request
• Approved $200,000 transfer to Roads & Sidewalks project
• Approved $60,000 transfer for Board of Health vehicle purchases
• Approved September 2, 2025 minutes (Committee of the Whole)

Election Commission

The Taunton Election Commission will review and act on an update to the city’s preliminary election. Commissioners will consider the resignation of Commissioner Frank E. Biedak, Esq. and will approve a letter of thanks to him. Public comments will be accepted, limited to three minutes each.

• Update on City Preliminary Election
• Resignation of Commissioner Frank E. Biedak, Esq.
• Approval and signature of letter of thanks to Frank E. Biedak, Esq.

The commission voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Commissioner Frank E. Biedak and to approve a letter of appreciation for his service. The meeting also set the next regular meeting for October 21, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. All public‑input motions and the approval of the prior minutes were unanimously tabled. The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.

• Opened public input (unanimously)
• Closed public input (unanimously)
• Tabled approval of August 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimously)
• Accepted resignation of Commissioner Frank E. Biedak (unanimously)
• Approved and signed letter of appreciation for Commissioner Biedak (unanimously)
• Scheduled next regular meeting for October 21, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting at 4:15 p.m. (unanimously)

Conservation Commission

The Taunton Conservation Commission will review minutes, discuss a potential land parcel for the Scadding Street Bridge project, and hold public hearings on wetland delineation and construction permits. The body will also address continued violations and other business items.

• Review potential replacement parcel for Scadding Street Bridge Replacement Project
• Public hearing for 9 Robert Street (two-family dwelling)
• Public hearing for 80 Willis Pond Road (after-the-fact construction)
• Public hearing for 165R Hart Street (eleven buildings)
• Public hearing for 1232 Middleboro Avenue (wetland delineation)

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to accept Parcel 64-295 as the replacement for land lost to the Route 79 improvement and Scadding Street bridge projects. The parcel will be placed under a perpetual conservation restriction. The commission also approved a duplex at 9 Robert Street with special conditions, accepted a forested wetland classification at 191 Somerset Avenue, and renewed the MBTA vegetation‑management plan along the railroad right‑of‑way.

• Approved acceptance of Parcel 64‑295 as replacement conservation land (unanimous)
• Approved 9 Robert Street duplex with special conditions (unanimous)
• Approved forested wetland classification for 191 Somerset Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved renewal of MBTA/Keolis five‑year vegetation‑management plan (unanimous)
• Recorded resignation of Commissioner Matthew Haggerty (procedural)

Golf Commission

The Taunton Golf Commission will review and accept minutes from July and August. It will discuss old‑business items including drainage repairs on holes 2, 3, 4, and 7, receipts for tee‑box work, and a possible switch of the ATM machine. New business includes considering new flags for each hole, upcoming events, and thanking Park and Rec for brush clearing near the 8" green, followed by a report from operator Ed Keyes, Building Committee updates, and public input.

• Review and accept July and August meeting minutes
• Discuss drainage repairs on holes 2, 3, 4, and 7
• Discuss receipts for tee‑box work completed this year
• Discuss switching the ATM machine
• Discuss new flags for each hole and thank Park and Rec for brush clearing near the 8" green

Cable Advisory Commission

The Cable Advisory Commission is discussing the approval of a 10-year contract with Comcast Cablevision. The body intends to recommend the license for the mayor's final approval following a required public hearing.

• Approval of July 10 minutes
• Scheduling of a public hearing for the Comcast Cablevision 10-year contract
• Proposal for upgrading transmission signals to SDI at the THS Head End
• Comcast maintenance of the Ingall Street transmission line for TCAM broadcast signals

License Commission

The License Commissioners will review applications for special permits and licenses. Items include a series of special permits for St. Anthony Church events, individual special alcohol permits for Berkley Beer Company and Talisa Proctor, a blotter report for 22 Bar & Lounge, LLC, and common victualler’s license applications for Bun Buddies, LLC and Cantinho Dos Acores LLC. The meeting will end with old and new business items.

• St. Anthony Church – Special Permit for events on Sep 20, 2025; Nov 8, 2025; Feb 14, 2026; Mar 21, 2026; May 24, 2026 (5:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m.) at 126 School St.
• Berkley Beer Company – Special Alcohol Permit for Oct 4, 2025, 4 Westcoat Drive (11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.)
• Talisa Proctor – Special Alcohol Permit for wine/malt beverages at 21 Main Street on Oct 9, 2025 (5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.) and at 1 Main Street on Oct 9, 2025 (5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.)
• 22 Bar & Lounge, LLC – Discussion of blotter report #25-019441
• Applications for Common Victualler’s Licenses: Bun Buddies, LLC (577 Winthrop Street) and Cantinho Dos Acores LLC (29 Oak Street)

The Board approved the minutes from the August 13, 2025 meeting. It approved a special alcohol permit for Berkley Beer Company on October 4 at 4 Westcoat Drive (with a rain‑date of October 5). It approved special alcohol permits for Talisa Proctor at 21 Main Street and 1 Main Street for events on October 9, 2025. It also approved common victualler’s licenses for Bun Buddies, Cantinho Dos Acores, Colonial Do‑Not Shop, and Bottle Rocket Food Truck, each pending Board of Health permits, and approved special permits for St. Anthony Church for five listed events. All motions were seconded and passed unanimously.

• Approved minutes from August 13, 2025 – unanimous
• Approved special permit for Berkley Beer Company (Oct 4, 4 Westcoat Drive) – unanimous
• Approved special permit for Talisa Proctor at 21 Main Street (Oct 9) – unanimous
• Approved special permit for Talisa Proctor at 1 Main Street (Oct 9) – unanimous
• Approved common victualler’s license for Bun Buddies, LLC (pending health permit) – unanimous
• Approved common victualler’s license for Cantinho Dos Acores, LLC (pending health permit) – unanimous
• Approved common victualler’s license for Colonial Do‑Not Shop (pending health permit) – unanimous
• Approved common victualler’s license for Bottle Rocket Food Truck (pending health permit) – unanimous

License Commission

The Board will accept the minutes from the August 13, 2025 meeting. Commissioners will discuss a blotter report (Report #25-019441). The agenda includes several applications for special alcohol permits and common victualler’s licenses at various city locations.

• St. Anthony Church, 126 School St. – Special Permit applications for multiple future dates
• Berkley Beer Company – Special Alcohol Permit for October 4 at Westcoat Drive
• Talisa Proctor – Special Alcohol Permit for wine/malt beverages at 21 Main St. and 1 Main St. on October 9, 2025
• 22 Bar & Lounge, LLC – Discussion of blotter report #25-019441
• New Common Victualler’s License applications: Bun Buddies, LLC (577 Winthrop St.), Cantinho Dos Acores LLC (29 Oak St.), Colonial Do-Not Shop (88 Washington St.), Bottle Rocket Food Truck (1094 Bay St.)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will meet to discuss certificates of appropriateness for various residential and commercial exterior modifications. The body is reviewing applications for roofing, siding, windows, and signage within the historic district.

• Sign application for 61 Summer Street
• Shed and plaque reviews for 24 and 44 Dean Street
• Window trim review for 40 Dean Street
• Roof, siding, windows, and doors for 11 and 68 Dean Street
• Window review for 63 Prospect Street

The Historic District Commission approved several project proposals, including the Longmeadow Nursing Home renovation and the 11 Dean Street roof, siding, windows, and doors. It also approved the 61 Summer Street sign design, referred 24 Dean Street to the Law Department, and granted a 90‑day extension for the 40 Dean Street window trim. The commission rejected the 63 Prospect Street window proposal as presented and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved minutes from June 30 and Aug 20, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved 61 Summer Street sign design – white/gray background, dark lettering (all in favor)
• Referred 24 Dean Street matter to Law Department (all in favor)
• Approved 90‑day continuation for 40 Dean Street window trim (all in favor)
• Approved Longmeadow Nursing Home renovation plan as presented (all in favor)
• Approved 11 Dean Street roof, siding, windows, & doors as presented (all in favor)
• Rejected 63 Prospect Street window proposal as presented (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Department of Human Services / Council on Aging

The Department of Human Services Board will meet to approve minutes, receive a director's report, and discuss updates on outreach, center activities, and funding. The meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2025.

• Approval of August 20, 2025 minutes
• Director's report on program updates
• Updates on outreach, center activities, and community relations
• Funding and personnel updates
• Renovations discussion

Board of Health

The Taunton Board of Health will approve the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes. It will hold a second hearing for Quality Fuel and Mart at 31 Winthrop Street regarding sales during a tobacco suspension period, as well as hearings for Bins Mart at 309 Whittenton Street, Yamato Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi, a consent order for 205 Myricks Street, and a septic tank variance for 71 Deer Hill Drive. Monthly reports from the epidemiologist, health agents, sanitary inspectors, public health nurse, environmental compliance officer, and other staff will also be presented.

• Second hearing for Quality Fuel and Mart, 31 Winthrop Street – tobacco sales suspension issue
• Hearing for Bins Mart, 309 Whittenton Street – third violation in a 36‑month period
• Variance request for 71 Deer Hill Drive concerning length of septic tank use
• Consent order review/hearing for 205 Myricks Street (South Coast Development LLC)
• Hearing for Yamato Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi – ongoing Food Code violations

Parks, Cemeteries & Public Grounds Commission

The Parks, Cemeteries & Public Grounds Commission will meet to review monthly reports and capital improvement updates. Discussions will include progress on Memorial Park and Davol Park renovations.

• Memorial Park Phase 1 and Phase 2 updates
• Davol Park Renovations updates
• Cemetery and Burial reports
• Maintenance and Recreation Supervisor reports

City Council

The Taunton City Council meeting will hear a continuation request for proposed changes to the city’s zoning ordinance dated June 17, 2025. The Police Chief will request a civil service list to hire one permanent full‑time police officer. The Fire Chief will seek approval to pay prior fiscal year invoices totaling $10,586.10. Public input will be accepted, including a resident’s concern about an unsafe driveway lip at 10 Rankin Road.

• Continuation request for proposed changes to the City of Taunton Zoning Ordinance (June 17, 2025) with a continuance to September 23, 2025
• Police Chief request to call for a civil service list for one permanent full‑time police officer
• Fire Chief request to approve payment of prior fiscal year invoices totaling $10,586.10
• Safety Officer update on a crosswalk sign installation on School Street
• Public input from Nathan Daniels regarding an unsafe driveway lip at 10 Rankin Road

City Council

The Taunton Municipal Council meeting will address several agenda items, including a review of host community agreement waivers for three marijuana businesses, a continued hearing on proposed changes to the City Zoning Ordinance dated June 17 2025, and the appointment of two permanent full‑time police officers. The council will also consider a request to pay prior‑year invoices totaling $10,586.10 and announce traffic safety improvements converting Washington Street intersections to 4‑way stops on September 29 2025.

• Review of Host Community Agreement Waivers: Cape Highway Canna, LLC (225 Cape Hwy), Freshly Baked Company (264 Broadway), Trade Group, LLC dba Bloom Canna (600 County Street)
• Continued hearing on proposed changes to the City of Taunton Zoning Ordinance dated June 17 2025
• Appointment and swearing‑in of two permanent full‑time police officers: Jonathan DaRosa and Matthew J. Letourneau
• Request to approve payment of prior fiscal year invoices totaling $10,586.10
• Announcement of traffic safety improvements: conversion of Washington St at Jackson St and Whittenton St to 4‑way stops on Monday, September 29 2025

The council unanimously appointed Jonathan DaRosa and Matthew J. Letourneau as permanent full‑time police officers. It adopted an Order of Taking for 4 Spring Street by a 6‑to‑3 vote. Councilors voted 6‑3 to open public input and later referred the public‑input policy to the Committee of the Whole by an 8‑1 vote. Additional actions included continuing the zoning ordinance hearing, approving police detail for the September 23 preliminary election, and referring rodent and park‑cleanup issues to the Board of Health and the Department of Parks.

• Approved appointment of two permanent full-time police officers (9-0)
• Adopted Order of Taking for 4 Spring Street (6-3)
• Opened public input (6-3)
• Referred public input policy issue to Committee of Whole (8-1)
• Continued zoning ordinance hearing until Sep 22, 2025 (vote not recorded)
• Approved police detail coverage for Sep 23, 2025 preliminary election (vote not recorded)
• Referred rodent issue at 155 Highland Street to Board of Health and Blighted Property Task Force (vote not recorded)
• Referred Sikorski Field cleanup update to Department of Parks, Cemeteries and Public Grounds (vote not recorded)

City Council

The Municipal Council will meet to approve minutes and review weekly vouchers and payroll. The committee will also discuss requests to pay prior year expenses for the Board of Health and Police Department, and continue a discussion on changes to the Property Maintenance Ordinance.

• Review weekly vouchers and payroll
• Discuss prior year expense transfers: $435.51 (Board of Health)
• Discuss prior year expense transfers: $831.74 (Police Dept)
• Discuss prior year expense transfers: $521.43 (Police Dept)
• Continue discussion on Property Maintenance Ordinance

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved the September 2 minutes, a payroll warrant for $1,842,776.46, and an accounts‑payable warrant for $4,270,880.43. It also approved three prior‑year expense transfers: $435.51 for the Board of Health and $831.74 and $521.43 for the Police Department. The Ordinances Committee approved the August 26 minutes and voted to table further discussion of the Property Maintenance Ordinance.

• Approved minutes from September 2, 2025
• Approved payroll warrant $1,842,776.46
• Approved accounts‑payable warrant $4,270,880.43
• Approved $435.51 transfer for Board of Health prior‑year expenses
• Approved $831.74 transfer for Police Department prior‑year expenses
• Approved $521.43 transfer for Police Department prior‑year expenses
• Approved minutes from August 26, 2025
• Tabled discussion on Property Maintenance Ordinance

City Council

The Special Committee on Marijuana heard presentations from three applicants—Cape Highway Canna, Freshly Baked Company, and Trade Group (Bloom Canna)—and discussed their plans, qualifications, and community impact. Public input was invited but no participants spoke. The committee reviewed the scoring matrix and will forward recommendations, but no votes or final approvals were recorded.

Planning Board

The Taunton Planning Board will convene on September 4, 2025, to approve minutes and consider two public hearings regarding a proposed material conveyor at 120R Berkley St. and a modified special permit for a restaurant and retail building at 293 Winthrop Street.

• Public Hearing: Repetitive Petition - 120R Berkley St. (Dauphanais Concrete, Inc.)
• Public Hearing: Mod. of Special Permit/Site Plan Review - 293 Winthrop Street
• Public Meeting: Mod. Of Site Plan Review — 140 Broadway
• Lot Releases — Willis Pond Estates — Request to release 13 lots
• FYI: Communication from Stantec — Taunton River Rail Trail Construction

The Planning Board approved the amended site‑plan for 140 Broadway, adding conditions and waiving the filing fee. It also voted 6‑1 to seek a legal opinion on the repetitive petition for 120R Berkley St. and moved the decision on the Winthrop Street Taco Bell project to the October 2 meeting.

• Approved 140 Broadway site‑plan modification with conditions and fee waiver (vote not recorded)
• Voted 6‑1 to request a legal opinion on the 120R Berkley St. repetitive petition (motion by Brian, seconded by Bill)
• Moved the Winthrop Street Taco Bell and retail building project to Oct 2, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved the September 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The Municipal Council will receive updates on the Rent Rebate Program and community news. The body will also consider requests to pay several overdue invoices from previous fiscal years for the Board of Health and Police Department.

• Request to pay $435.51 prior-year invoice for Stericycle-Shred It services (Board of Health)
• Request to pay $831.74 prior-year invoice for UKG Kronos Systems (Police Department)
• Request to pay $521.43 prior-year invoice for Sirchie Acquisition (Police Department)
• Petition for a new Grade 1 Personal Kennel License at 1536 Somerset Avenue
• Petition for a name change of Flammable Storage license at 69 Weir Street to Diversified Housing Solutions, LLC

The council approved a name change for a flammable gas storage license to Diversified Housing Solutions and granted a procession permit for St. Anthony’s Church on Oct. 11, 2025. It also referred the CVS Pharmacy hours‑of‑operation license renewal and a new personal kennel license to the appropriate committees for further action. Additional approvals included the Police and License Committee minutes, a name change for an Aziz Tire Service license, and a temporary vendor license for Bun Buddies, LLC.

• Approved name change of Flammable Gas Storage license to Diversified Housing Solutions (approved)
• Approved procession permission for St. Anthony’s Church on Oct. 11, 2025 (approved)
• Referred CVS Pharmacy hours of operation license renewal to Police and License Committee (referred)
• Referred personal kennel license application to City Clerk for public hearing (referred)
• Approved minutes from August 19, 2025 for Police and License Committee (approved)
• Approved name change of Class II license for Aziz Tire Service Center (approved)
• Approved temporary fixed vendor license for Bun Buddies, LLC at 577 Winthrop Street (approved)
• Referred discussion of letter‑submission process to Committee of the Whole (referred)

City Council

The Police and License Committee approved a name change for Aziz Tire Service Center and a temporary vendor license for Bun Buddies, LLC. The Finance and Salaries Committee approved payroll and accounts payable warrants totaling $6.05 million, plus a $500 prior‑year payroll payment. All committee minutes were approved and each meeting was adjourned.

• Approved minutes from August 19, 2025 (Police & License)
• Approved name change for Aziz Tire Service Center, Inc. dba Aziz Auto Sales (Police & License)
• Approved temporary fixed vendor license for Bun Buddies, LLC at 577 Winthrop Street (Police & License)
• Approved minutes from August 26, 2025 (Finance & Salaries)
• Approved payroll warrant of $4,359,717.38 (Finance & Salaries)
• Approved accounts payable warrant of $1,691,384.10 (Finance & Salaries)
• Approved $500 prior‑year payroll payment request (Finance & Salaries)
• Approved minutes from August 12, 2025 (Committee of the Whole)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board granted three requests: a garage variance for 34 Herbert Street, a special indoor‑storage permit for 1785 Bay Street, and a gas‑station variance for 138‑67 Myricks Street. All three were approved; the gas‑station approval included a list of operational and safety conditions. Votes were unanimous for the garage and storage permits and 4‑1 for the gas‑station variance.

• Approved garage variance at 34 Herbert St. (5‑0 vote)
• Approved indoor storage special permit at 1785 Bay St. with hazardous‑material restriction (5‑0 vote)
• Approved gas‑station variance at 138‑67 Myricks St. with 13 conditions (4‑1 vote)
• Condition: No hazardous materials stored on site or in building (storage case)
• Condition: Hours of operation 5 AM–10 PM daily (gas‑station case)
• Condition: 6‑ft opaque fence along easterly parking area (gas‑station case)
• Condition: Gasoline deliveries only during normal business hours (gas‑station case)
• Condition: Employee parking limited to four easterly spaces (gas‑station case)

Americans with Disabilities Act Commission

The commission met on August 27, 2025 at the Silver City Conference Room. Commissioners reviewed updates on ADA issues at Union Block Condominium and Congregation Agudath Achim, and discussed current locations needing evaluations and common ADA areas. No motions were presented, voted on, or recorded, so no decisions were made. The next meeting is scheduled for September 24, 2025.

Taunton Redevelopment Authority

The Taunton Redevelopment Authority will meet on August 27 at 3 p.m. at City Hall to review minutes from the previous month and discuss updates on the Whittenton Urban Renewal Plan and Harvey Street property.

• Review and approve minutes from July 30
• Whittenton Urban Renewal Plan update
• Harvey Street Property Update
• Property acquisition discussion
• Treasurers report

The TRA voted to approve the July 30 meeting minutes with a correction from Jon Gray. The board authorized the OECD to negotiate a contract with John DeSousa for septic‑approval work on Harvey Street. A motion to issue an RFP for Harvey Street was rescinded pending discussion with the Boys & Girls Club. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved July 30 minutes with correction (vote taken)
• Authorized OECD to negotiate contract with John DeSousa for Harvey Street septic work
• Rescinded motion to proceed with Harvey Street RFP pending further discussion

City Council

The City Council voted 5-4 against the motion to close public input and approve the proposed changes to the zoning ordinance affecting group homes. The motion therefore failed. Councilors then approved a motion to reconsider the matter on September 9, 2025. The minutes of the August 19, 2025 meeting were also approved.

• Approved record of August 19, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Rejected motion to approve group home zoning changes (5-4)
• Approved motion to reconsider group home zoning issue on September 9, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved motion to open public input for the group home hearing (unanimous)
• Approved motion to close public input and approve as presented (failed 5-4)

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved the payroll warrant for $1,563,620.77 and the accounts payable warrant for $9,342,587.97. It also approved two prior‑year invoice transfers of $868.75 and $963.00. All motions were voted on and adopted.

• Approved minutes from August 19, 2025 (vote)
• Approved payroll warrant $1,563,620.77 (vote)
• Approved accounts payable warrant $9,342,587.97 (vote)
• Approved prior‑year invoice transfer $868.75 (vote)
• Approved prior‑year invoice transfer $963.00 (vote)
• Approved minutes from July 1, 2025 (vote)
• Approved minutes from July 15, 2025 (vote)
• Added triple fee penalty to Property Maintenance Ordinance (vote)

TMLP Commission

The Municipal Light Commission will discuss an AMI system presentation and project request. The body will also review communications regarding closed circuits for new solar projects and the Fiscal Year 2026 pilot payment.

• Presentation and project request for AMI System - T&D
• Letter regarding closed circuits for new solar projects
• Letter from Mayor Shaunna O’Connell regarding Fiscal Year 2026 pilot payment
• Authorization and award of sealed bids and proposals

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission met on August 20, 2025, but a quorum was not present. Because of the missing quorum, no agenda items were discussed and no actions were taken. All agenda items will be rescheduled for a future meeting.

Department of Human Services / Council on Aging

The board voted to accept the minutes from the June 11, 2025 meeting. The motion was made by Kathleen Collins, seconded by Roy Lederman, and passed with all members in favor. The board then adjourned the meeting by motion of Eleanor Brennan, seconded by Mary Lou Gurney, also with all members in favor. No other formal actions were taken.

• Accepted June 11, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

City Council

The City Council appointed George M. Lozado as Police Lieutenant and Andrew P. Quintin as Police Sergeant, each by a unanimous roll‑call vote. It also approved a slate of Agricultural Commission appointments and several community and infrastructure items, including a fundraiser permission, a joint pole request rescission, and referrals of a marijuana facility waiver and safety evaluations.

• Appointed George M. Lozado as permanent full‑time Police Lieutenant (7‑0 vote)
• Appointed Andrew P. Quintin as permanent full‑time Police Sergeant (7‑0 vote)
• Approved Agricultural Commission appointments (Gray, Lefebvre, Abella‑Bowen, Taylor, Sanborn, McCaffrey)
• Approved permission for Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church fundraiser (refer to public safety)
• Approved rescinding request for new joint pole location EL‑35S on East Broadway
• Referred Host Community Agreement waiver for retail marijuana facility at 264 Broadway to Special Committee
• Referred Board of Health equipment payment ($963) and Gannett invoice ($868.75) to Finance and Salaries Committee
• Referred evaluation of flashing crosswalk sign at 31 School Street to Safety Officer

City Council

The Committee on Finance and Salaries will review weekly vouchers and payroll. The Committee on Police and License will consider several license renewals and new applications for local businesses.

• Billiard Table License renewal for David F. Adams Post 611 Athletic Association, Inc. at 82 Ingell Street
• Hours of Operation License renewal for Quality Fuel at 31 Winthrop Street (24/7)
• Second Hand Article License renewal for M Bazaar at 16 Fairview Ave
• New Hours of Operation License for 7-Eleven #37398 at 2068 Bay Street (24/7)
• New Second Hand Article License for Murphy’s Marvelous Merchandise at 170 Macomber Street

The Committee on Police and License approved several license renewals and new licenses, including a billiard table license for David F. Adams Athletic Association and a 24‑hour license for 7‑Eleven at 2068 Bay Street. It denied the petition to keep Quality Fuel’s Hours of Operation License open 24 hours at 31 Winthrop Street. The Committee on Finance and Salaries approved payroll and accounts‑payable warrants totaling $2,000,385.13 and $2,922,180.42. The council adjourned the meeting at 7:12 PM.

• Approved minutes from July 22 and July 23, 2025 (Police & License Committee)
• Approved renewal of billiard table license for David F. Adams Athletic Association, 82 Ingell Street
• Approved renewal of second‑hand article license for M Bazaar, 16 Fairview Ave
• Approved new 24‑hour hours‑of‑operation license for 7‑Eleven, 2068 Bay Street
• Approved new second‑hand article license for Murphy’s Marvelous Merchandise, 170 Macomber Street
• Denied petition to keep Quality Fuel’s 24‑hour hours‑of‑operation license at 31 Winthrop Street
• Approved payroll warrant for $2,000,385.13 (Finance & Salaries Committee)
• Approved accounts‑payable warrant for $2,922,180.42 (Finance & Salaries Committee)

Election Commission

The Taunton Election Commission will meet to discuss and potentially act on a voter registration challenge. The item concerns Rude Fernandes Alves of 68 Tremont Street.

• Review and action on voter registration challenge for Rude Fernandes Alves (68 Tremont Street)

Conservation Commission

The commission issued Certificates of Compliance for three existing projects at 390 Cape Road, 35 Willis Pond Road, and 359 Burt Street. It opened and approved an amendment for 293 Winthrop Street to build a quick‑service restaurant and retail building, adding special conditions. Several hearings were continued to the September 15, 2025 meeting, and the Eversource Gas remediation of the Mill River site was approved with special conditions.

• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 390 Cape Road auto shop (unanimous)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 35 Willis Pond Road single‑family home (unanimous)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 359 Burt Street single‑family home (unanimous)
• Approved amendment for 293 Winthrop Street restaurant project with special conditions (unanimous)
• Continued hearing on O Bear Hold and 0 Highstone Street wetland delineation to Sept 15, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Eversource Gas remediation of Mill River site with special conditions (unanimous)
• Continued hearing on 165R Hart Street development to Sept 15, 2025 (unanimous)
• Opened hearing for 9 Robert Street duplex project (unanimous)

Election Commission

The commission opened and then closed public input, approved the July 22, 2025 minutes, and invited the city solicitor and election office staff to speak. Exhibits A through L were entered into the record and the city solicitor was excused. The commission voted unanimously to remove Rude Fernandes Alves from the voter registration rolls. The next regular meeting was scheduled for September 16, 2025.

• Opened public input (unanimous)
• Closed public input (unanimous)
• Approved July 22, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Invited City Solicitor Matthew Costa to join the meeting (unanimous)
• Invited Election Office staff to speak about letters (unanimous)
• Made exhibits A‑L part of the record (unanimous)
• Excused the City Solicitor (unanimous)
• Removed Rude Fernandes Alves from voter registration rolls (unanimous)

License Commission

The License Commissioners approved the minutes from the July 9 meeting and approved five separate license-related applications, including new Common Victualler Licenses and a change of operating hours. They also approved a motion to learn the home‑rule petition process for increasing license numbers and ordered 22 Bar & Lounge to appear at the next meeting. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved July 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Weir Dogs Common Victualler License at 67 West Water Street (unanimous)
• Approved Riverhouse Weir Village change of hours (unanimous)
• Approved 7‑Eleven Common Victualler License at 2070 Bay Street (unanimous)
• Approved New Ward Five vacation closure Aug 11‑29 (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of license from Fusion Kitchen to Fusion Restaurant and Lounge (unanimous)
• Approved motion to determine home‑rule petition process for license increases (unanimous)
• Approved motion for 22 Bar & Lounge to appear at next meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will conduct hearings regarding sales to minors and food safety violations. Members will also consider a waiver for a leaching field distance and review a proposed new permit fee schedule.

• Waiver request for 98 Rhode Island Road to reduce leaching field distance to a private well from 100 to 68 feet
• Hearing for Quality Fuel and Mart (31 Winthrop Street) regarding sale to a minor
• Hearing for Bay Street Vape and Smoke (2093 Bay Street) for a second sale to a minor violation
• Hearing for Kyo Asian Kitchen (12 Winthrop Street) for food code safety/HACCP variance violations
• Review of proposed new Permit Fee Schedule

The Board of Health approved a conditional waiver to reduce the septic‑to‑well distance at 98 Rhode Island Road (3‑0). It also approved a request to raise the daily truck trip limit for the NEWD site at 101 Prince Henry Drive from 340 to 410 trips (2‑0‑1 abstain). Additionally, the board voted to suspend tobacco sales for 30 days at Quality Fuel and Market and for 14 days at Bay Street Vape and Smoke, and it voted to reopen the sushi bar at Kyo Asian Kitchen.

• Approved June 10 and July 15 meeting minutes (3‑0)
• Approved waiver for 98 Rhode Island Road with monitoring conditions (3‑0)
• Suspended tobacco sales at Quality Fuel and Market for 30 days (3‑0)
• Suspended tobacco sales at Bay Street Vape and Smoke for 14 days (3‑0)
• Approved increase of daily truck trips for NEWD to 410 (2‑0‑1 abstain)
• Reopened sushi bar at Kyo Asian Kitchen (3‑0)

City Council

The City Council suspended the requirement for a third reading and approved an ordinance amending stop‑sign designations at multiple intersections. Councilors also reappointed the City Clerk and the DPW Street Supervisor for three‑year terms. A notation was added to the marijuana ordinance scoring sheet regarding the 1,000‑foot buffer. Several items were referred to committees or the City Clerk for further action.

• Suspended rules requiring a third reading on stop‑sign ordinance (8‑0 vote)
• Reappointed Jennifer Leger as City Clerk for three years (approved)
• Reappointed Bruce Emond as DPW Street Supervisor for three years (approved)
• Added notation to marijuana ordinance scoring sheet about 1,000‑foot buffer (approved)
• Referred street opening permit request for Dora Estates, LLC to Public Works Committee (approved)
• Referred joint pole location petition on East Broadway to City Clerk for hearing schedule (approved)
• Approved reading and adoption of committee reports (approved)
• Approved reading and adoption of August 5, 2025 meeting minutes (approved)

City Council

The council approved a payroll warrant for $1,613,114.47 and an accounts payable warrant for $7,926,555.41. It also approved the minutes from the July 29, 2025 meeting. Both committees adjourned after the motions.

• Approved payroll warrant $1,613,114.47 (Finance Committee)
• Approved accounts payable warrant $7,926,555.41 (Finance Committee)
• Adjourned Finance Committee meeting at 5:48 PM
• Approved July 29 2025 meeting minutes (Committee of the Whole)
• Adjourned Committee of the Whole meeting at 7:05 PM

Planning Board

The board granted a continuance for the 120R Berkley St petition to September 4, 2025. It voted to forward a positive recommendation to the City Council on the proposed zoning changes for parcels on Park and Washington Streets. The board approved the site‑plan review for 96 Oak St, adding 13 specific conditions, with a 6‑in‑favor vote and one member absent. No other actions were taken.

• Continuance for 120R Berkley St petition granted to Sept 4 2025 (unanimous)
• Positive recommendation to council on zoning changes for parcels 65‑126, 65‑127, 54‑247, 54‑268 (unanimous)
• Site‑plan review for 96 Oak St approved with 13 conditions (6‑0 vote; William A. Fitzgerald, Jr. absent)
• Motion to open public input on zoning hearing approved (unanimous)
• Motion to close public input on zoning hearing approved (unanimous)
• Motion to revert out of regular order of business approved (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved a payroll warrant for $1,688,532.18 and an accounts payable warrant for $1,213,501.42. It also appointed Julie Pelletier as a Housing Authority Commissioner and reappointed Roy Lederman for one year. Additional items were referred to committees, and the minutes from the July 29 meeting were approved.

• Approved payroll warrant of $1,688,532.18
• Approved accounts payable warrant of $1,213,501.42
• Approved appointment of Julie Pelletier as Housing Authority Commissioner
• Approved reappointment of Roy Lederman for one year
• Approved minutes from July 29, 2025
• Referred second‑hand article license petition to Police and License Committee
• Referred civil service list for Police Lieutenant and Sergeant to City Clerk

City Council

The council approved the minutes from the July 29, 2025 meeting. It also approved a payroll warrant for $1,688,532.18 and an accounts payable warrant for $1,213,501.42. All motions were made by Councilor Estele Borges and seconded by Councilor Scott Martin.

• Approved July 29, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Ms. Borges, seconded by Mr. Martin)
• Approved payroll warrant of $1,688,532.18 (motion by Ms. Borges, seconded by Mr. Martin)
• Approved accounts payable warrant of $1,213,501.42 (motion by Ms. Borges, seconded by Mr. Martin)

Airport Commission

The Taunton Airport Commission approved the May 28, 2025 minutes, the Engineer’s Report, and the FY25 financial report pending audit. It also approved a lease modification for Dr. Young to a one‑year term, scheduled the bi‑annual open house for Oct 4‑5, and elected Steve Turner as Chairman and Steve Rogers as Vice Chairman.

• Approved May 28, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Engineer’s Report (unanimous)
• Approved FY25 Financial Report pending audit (unanimous)
• Approved lease modification for Dr. Young to a 1‑year term (unanimous)
• Scheduled bi‑annual open house for Oct 4 with rain date Oct 5 (unanimous)
• Elected Steve Turner as Chairman (unanimous)
• Elected Steve Rogers as Vice Chairman (unanimous)
• Approved Manager’s Report (unanimous)

Taunton Redevelopment Authority

The board approved the minutes from the June 25 meeting with a minor correction. It voted to defer approval of the Harvey Street broker RFP until the next meeting. The authority decided to let OECD assist with development of land near the airport, with TRA stepping in if needed.

• Approved June 25 minutes (minor correction)
• Voted to defer Harvey Street RFP approval to next meeting
• Decided to let OECD assist with airport land development; TRA may step in if needed

City Council

The council approved the reappointment of Samuel Delgado to the Golf Course Commission and the appointment of poll workers for the 2025 election. It referred the proposed renaming of Kings Court and a change to appointment term language to the City Clerk and the Committee on Ordinances, respectively. The council received a filing from the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission about a KENO monitor and referred a 7‑Eleven 24‑hour license request to the Police and License Committee. Finally, a stop‑sign ordinance adding new signs at multiple intersections was passed on a roll‑call vote of seven in favor.

• Reappointed Samuel Delgado to Golf Course Commission (approved)
• Approved list of poll workers for 2025 election (approved)
• Referred name change of Kings Court to City Clerk for public hearing (approved)
• Referred amendment to appointment term language to Committee on Ordinances (approved)
• Received and filed KENO monitor request from Massachusetts State Lottery Commission (approved)
• Referred 7‑Eleven 24‑hour license request to Police and License Committee (approved)
• Approved follow‑up letter to TMLP Commission regarding solar project closures (approved)
• Passed stop‑sign ordinance (third reading) 7‑0 vote

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved the payroll warrant for $1,667,836.28 and accounts payable warrants for $2,088,599.74 (FY25) and $2,693,556.23 (FY26). The Committee of the Whole approved the minutes from July 8 and July 15, 2025, and adopted the Kennel License Application with the suggested changes. Both committees then adjourned.

• Approved payroll warrant $1,667,836.28
• Approved FY25 accounts payable warrant $2,088,599.74
• Approved FY26 accounts payable warrant $2,693,556.23
• Approved minutes from July 22, 2025 (Finance Committee)
• Approved minutes from July 8 and July 15, 2025 (Committee of the Whole)
• Approved Kennel License Application with suggested changes
• Adjourned Finance and Salaries Committee meeting
• Adjourned Committee of the Whole meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals accepted the minutes from the June 26, 2025 meeting with all members in favor. The board voted unanimously to grant a continuance of the variance request for 788 Boston Road to August 28, 2025. No final decision on the variance was made; the petition was continued.

• Accepted minutes of 6‑26‑25 (all members in favor)
• Granted continuance of Case #3820 to Aug 28 2025 (unanimous Yes vote)

City Council

The Committee on Police and License voted to make conditional offers of employment to Aaron Ferreira and Soraya Leon, pending conditions set by the Police Chief and successful background checks. The motion was introduced by Councilor Estele Borges and seconded by Councilor Larry Quintal and was approved. The meeting was then adjourned at 7:54 PM after a motion by Councilor Borges, also seconded by Quintal, was approved.

• Conditional offers of employment to Aaron Ferreira and Soraya Leon approved (subject to chief’s conditions and background checks)
• Meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM (motion approved)

License Commission

The Board of License Commissioners met on July 25, 2025 and was quorate. The Downtown Taunton Foundation applied for a special permit to serve wine and malt beverages at 8 Trescott Street on July 25, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Commissioner Steven Turner moved to approve the permit, the motion was seconded, and it passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:46 a.m.

• Approved special alcohol permit for Downtown Taunton Foundation (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved the appointment and swearing‑in of four permanent full‑time firefighters. It also reappointed Carol Welch to the Election Commission for a four‑year term. The council passed a stop‑sign ordinance amendment to a third reading and approved several payroll and accounts‑payable warrants. Additional items were referred to committees or city offices for further action.

• Appointed Tyren Heggs, Patrick Michael Melo, Evan M. Perrotta, Samuel S. Finney as permanent full‑time firefighters (8‑0)
• Reappointed Carol Welch to the Election Commission for a four‑year term (approved)
• Passed stop‑sign ordinance amendment to a third reading (approved)
• Approved payroll warrant of $1,598,194.47 (approved)
• Approved FY25 accounts payable warrant of $747,584.16 (approved)
• Approved FY26 accounts payable warrant of $1,844,421.41 (approved)
• Referred senior‑exemption age change request to Committee on Public Property (referred)
• Referred water‑pressure concern on Prospect Hill Street to Mayor’s Office and Water Department (referred)

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved the minutes from July 8 and July 15, 2025, and adopted payroll and accounts‑payable warrants totaling $4.19 million. The committee also voted to reduce the senior tax exemption age from 70 to 65, effective July 1 2026. The Police and License Committee approved its minutes and adopted motions to place a traffic‑related discussion on the record and to open public input.

• Approved minutes from July 8, 2025 and July 15, 2025
• Approved payroll warrant of $1,598,194.47
• Approved FY25 accounts payable warrant of $747,584.16
• Approved FY26 accounts payable warrant of $1,844,421.41
• Reduced senior tax exemption age from 70 to 65, effective July 1, 2026
• Approved minutes from June 24, 2025 and July 8, 2025 (Police Committee)
• Recorded traffic‑safety discussion on the official record
• Opened public input on truck traffic and safety issues

Election Commission

The Election Commission entered a public letter into the record, approved amended minutes from June and the July 2 recount, and invited City Solicitor Matthew J. Costa before tabling a discussion on investigatory powers. The board scheduled an executive‑session meeting for August 18, 2025 at 4 PM. It then voted unanimously to forward all documents and move forward with two motions to challenge the voter registration of Rude Fernandes Alves.

• Entered Maureen Mosher’s letter into the record (unanimous)
• Struck the word “broad” from the June 24 motion (unanimous)
• Approved June 24 minutes with amendment (unanimous)
• Approved July 2 recount minutes (unanimous)
• Invited City Solicitor Matthew J. Costa to join the meeting (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion of investigatory powers (unanimous)
• Scheduled executive‑session meeting for August 18, 2025 at 4 PM (unanimous)
• Forwarded documents and proceeded with motions to challenge Rude Fernandes Alves voter registration (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the June 30 meeting. It authorized a public hearing on the Memorial Park restoration. Commissioners voted to close public input on the project. Finally, they approved the Memorial Park restoration plan as presented, with all special conditions and a DEP condition, adding condition #41, with all members in favor.

• Approved minutes of 6/30/25 (all in favor)
• Authorized public hearing on Memorial Park (all in favor)
• Closed public input on Memorial Park project (all in favor)
• Approved Memorial Park restoration project with special conditions and DEP condition #2, adding condition #41 (all in favor)

Board of Health

The Taunton Board of Health held a special meeting to consider an Administrative Consent Order for Willow Terrace, MHP, LLC. After a presentation of the order’s septic system and sewer requirements, the board voted to approve the consent order. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved Administrative Consent Order for Willow Terrace, MHP, LLC (All in favor)
• Adjourned the special meeting (All in favor)

City Council

The council approved a payroll warrant for $1,594,383.72 and two accounts‑payable warrants for $4,239,950.76 (FY25) and $4,435,531.86 (FY26). It also approved a $86,141.50 transfer from the General Fund to the Capital Improvement Fund and reappointed Herbert Daye to the Human Services/Council on Aging Board. The council designated Maggie Clarke as City Clerk pro tempore for the meeting and approved a gas‑line easement for parcel 66‑11 to serve the Boys and Girls Club. Additional motions referred truck‑traffic safety at Dever Drive, the boat ramp and Crane Avenue South to the Police and License Committee.

• Designated Maggie Clarke as City Clerk pro tempore (approved)
• Reappointed Herbert Daye to Human Services/Council on Aging Board (approved)
• Approved payroll warrant of $1,594,383.72 (approved)
• Approved FY25 accounts payable warrant of $4,239,950.76 (approved)
• Approved FY26 accounts payable warrant of $4,435,531.86 (approved)
• Approved $86,141.50 transfer to Capital Improvement Fund (approved)
• Approved gas line easement for parcel 66-11 for Boys and Girls Club (approved)
• Referred truck traffic safety issues at Dever Drive, boat ramp, Crane Ave South to Police and License Committee (approved)

City Council

The council approved several financial warrants and budgetary transfers, including payroll and accounts‑payable warrants. It also approved a gas‑line easement for the Boys and Girls Club. Finally, the council approved a temporary agreement with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, allowing minor language changes.

• Approved minutes from July 1, 2025 (Finance & Salaries Committee)
• Approved payroll warrant of $1,594,383.72
• Approved FY25 accounts payable warrant of $4,239,950.76
• Approved FY26 accounts payable warrant of $4,435,531.86
• Approved budgetary transfer requests, including $13.82 to OECD Salaries, $15,642.65 to Police Salaries, $29.05 to Board of Health Salaries, $2,975.94 to Veterans Salaries, $86,141.50 from Veterans Expenses to General Fund, and $156,949.00 from Health Insurance to State Assessment
• Approved gas‑line easement with Eversource over parcel 66‑11 for the Boys and Girls Club
• Approved revised motion to strike item 5 (or allow Law Department amendment) in the tribal agreement
• Approved the temporary agreement with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and permitted minor modifications

Planning Board

The Board approved two motions to forward positive recommendations to the Municipal Council on proposed zoning amendments: one covering the definition of Family & Group Home and the overlay district, and another covering residential use categories. The first recommendation passed with unanimous support, and the second passed with a 4‑2 vote. A motion to table the vote on these changes failed (2‑4). Separate motions to open and close public input were also approved.

• Forward positive recommendation on Section 440‑201 definition & Section 440‑404 overlay district – passed (unanimous yes)
• Forward positive recommendation on Section 440‑Attachment 1 residential use categories – passed (4‑2 yes, 2‑no)
• Motion to table vote on the zoning changes – failed (2‑4)
• Motion to open public input – passed (all in favor)
• Motion to close public input – passed (all in favor)
• Second motion to close public input – passed (all in favor)

License Commission

The License Commissioners unanimously approved a new §12 General On-Premises All Alcoholic Beverages License for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Gaming Authority. They also approved special alcohol permits for the Berkley Beer Company and Talisa’s on Main for the August 10 Whittenton Block Party, and granted a Common Victualler License to Jade Lee Kitchen. The minutes from the May 9 and June 11 meetings were approved, and the review of the Fusion Kitchen license transfer was continued.

• Approved June 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved May 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Continued review of Fusion Kitchen license transfer (unanimous)
• Approved special permit for Berkley Beer Company event Aug 10 (unanimous)
• Approved special permit for Talisa’s on Main event Aug 10 (unanimous)
• Approved Common Victualler License for Jade Lee Kitchen (unanimous)
• Approved new §12 General On-Premises All Alcoholic Beverages License for Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Gaming Authority (unanimous)

City Council

The Finance Committee approved payroll and accounts‑payable warrants totaling $12,036,623.92. The Committee of the Whole approved a five‑year extension of the contract with Edward Keyes to operate the Taunton Municipal Golf Course and authorized minor administrative changes. Councilors also voted to eliminate the TMLP, ADA and Airport sub‑committees, combine three committees into a new Public Health and Human Services Committee, rename Economic Development & Technology to Housing and Economic Development, rename Public Property to Public Property and Information Technology, and create a Transportation sub‑committee (7‑1).

• Approved payroll warrant $1,784,595.93 (unanimous)
• Approved FY25 accounts payable warrant $5,250,505.04 (unanimous)
• Approved FY26 accounts payable warrant $5,001,522.85 (unanimous)
• Approved 5‑year extension of golf course contract with Edward Keyes (unanimous)
• Eliminated TMLP, ADA and Airport sub‑committees (unanimous)
• Combined Public Health & Environmental Affairs, Elder Affairs & Human Services, and Youth & Recreation into Public Health and Human Services Committee (unanimous)
• Renamed Economic Development & Technology Committee to Housing and Economic Development (unanimous)
• Created Transportation sub‑committee (7‑1)

City Council

The Municipal Council voted to enact the non‑essential water use restrictions required by the city’s Water Management Act permit. The council also reappointed Maggie Clarke as Clerk of Committees (8‑0) and Christine DeMoranville as Treasurer/Collector. Additional actions included approving a new street light on Ferncrest Drive, referring a zoning change petition for 16‑17 Park Street to the clerk for a public hearing, and tabling the Mashpee Wampanoag special police officers ordinance.

• Approved non‑essential water use restrictions (vote not specified)
• Reappointed Maggie Clarke as Clerk of Committees (8‑0)
• Reappointed Christine DeMoranville as Treasurer/Collector (vote not specified)
• Granted petition for new electric street light on Ferncrest Drive (passed)
• Referred zoning change petition for 16‑17 Park Street to City Clerk for hearing schedule (passed)
• Referred police officer appointment requisition to Committee on Police and Police Chief (passed)
• Tabled Mashpee Wampanoag special police officers ordinance (passed)
• Passed stop‑sign ordinance amendment to second reading (passed)

Election Commission

The Election Commission reviewed a disputed ballot in Ward 1A Block #5 and voted 3‑1 to count it as a vote for Lawrence Quintal. Later, a separate disputed ballot in Ward 8A Block #6 was voted unanimously (4‑0) to count as a vote for Lisa Field. Election Director Mark Pacheco also announced the rejection of 20 mail‑in ballots received after polls closed as defective.

• Vote 3‑1 to count Ward 1A Block #5 ballot for Lawrence Quintal (Biedak Aye, Langham Nay, Welch Aye, Roomes Aye)
• Vote 4‑0 to count Ward 8A Block #6 ballot for Lisa Field (Biedak Aye, Langham Aye, Welch Aye, Roomes Aye)
• Rejected 20 late mail‑in ballots as defective per Director Pacheco’s explanation

City Council

The City Council approved the FY2025 accounts payable warrant for $8,650,139.25 and the payroll warrant for $1,778,152.14. It also approved the FY2026 accounts payable warrant for $152,653.38 and the retirement buyout for Maria Oliveira. Several items were referred to committees, and two ordinances were moved to a first reading.

• Approved FY2025 accounts payable warrant of $8,650,139.25 (so voted)
• Approved payroll warrant of $1,778,152.14 (so voted)
• Approved FY2026 accounts payable warrant of $152,653.38 (so voted)
• Approved retirement buyout for Maria Oliveira (so voted)
• Referred discussion of motor‑vehicle crash concerns to the Committee on Police and License (so voted)
• Referred discussion of developer parking requirements to the Committee on Public Property (so voted)
• Moved the letter from Superintendent Cabral to the agenda for Committee of the Whole (so voted)
• Moved the proposed ordinance for all‑way stop signs to a first reading (so voted)

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved the June 24 minutes, a payroll warrant for $1,778,152.14, a FY25 accounts‑payable warrant for $8,650,139.25, and a FY26 accounts‑payable warrant for $152,653.38. The Ordinances and Enrolled Bills Committee approved its June 15 minutes and moved two proposed ordinances—one for special tribal police officers and another for new all‑way stop signs—to a first reading. No vote tallies were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved June 24 Finance Committee minutes
• Approved payroll warrant of $1,778,152.14
• Approved FY25 accounts‑payable warrant of $8,650,139.25
• Approved FY26 accounts‑payable warrant of $152,653.38
• Approved June 15 Ordinances Committee minutes
• Moved Mashpee Wampanoag special police officers ordinance to first reading
• Moved all‑way stop‑sign ordinance for three intersections to first reading
• Adjourned both committee meetings

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved licensing agreements that allow work to begin on the Scadding Street Bridge Replacement and Route 79 improvement, with a stipulation to secure replacement conservation land within six months. It also approved negative determinations for several projects affecting bordering vegetated wetlands, and continued a few pending items to the July 21 meeting. All motions were adopted without opposition.

• Approved licensing agreements for Scadding Street Bridge Replacement and Route 79 improvement (unanimous)
• Approved negative determination for 215 Baker Road West tree‑clearing project (unanimous)
• Approved negative determination for 50 Lacey Road pole‑barn project (unanimous)
• Approved negative determination with special conditions for Bay Street geotechnical borings (unanimous)
• Approved continuation of Certificate of Compliance for 32 Woodview Drive to July 21 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved continuation of 9 Bliss Street hearing to July 21 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of 6/02/25 (unanimous)
• Approved invitation of Attorney Costa for updates (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance and special permit for 106 Weir St. (Case #3815) on the condition that the applicant secures six parking spaces from a public or private lot. The board denied the variance request to split 498 Tremont St. into two lots (Case #3816). No other motions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved variance and special permit for 106 Weir St.; condition: secure 6 parking spaces (unanimous Yes)
• Denied variance to split 498 Tremont St.; vote: 2 Yes (Moniz, Turner), 3 No (Vieira, Faria, Ackerman)

Historic District Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the May 22, 2025 meeting. It approved the chimney at 44 Dean Street and the awning/gable addition at 80 Summer Street. The commission voted to table discussion of the Longmeadow Nursing Home project at 68 Dean Street until a work packet is received. It also passed a motion to request owners of 24 Dean Street and 61 Summer Street to appear again.

• Approved minutes from May 22, 2025 (All in Favor)
• Approved acceptance of 44 Dean Street chimney (All in Favor)
• Approved awning/gable addition at 80 Summer Street (All in Favor)
• Tabled Longmeadow Nursing Home (68 Dean Street) discussion pending work packet (All in Favor)
• Motion to ask owners of 24 Dean Street and 61 Summer Street to appear again passed (All in Favor)
• Adjourned meeting (All in Favor)

Americans with Disabilities Act Commission

The commission held elections and appointed Donna DiCorpo as Chairperson, Nancilee Lemaire as Vice‑Chair, Maria Santos as Secretary, Scott Martin as Treasurer, and Bob Folcik as Public Relations officer. A motion to approve the May 21, 2025 minutes was made and seconded, but the minutes do not record a vote outcome. The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 PM after a motion to adjourn was made and seconded. No other formal actions were taken during the session.

• Elected ADA Commission officers: Donna DiCorpo (Chairperson), Nancilee Lemaire (Vice‑Chair), Maria Santos (Secretary), Scott Martin (Treasurer), Bob Folcik (Public Relations)
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:45 PM

Taunton Redevelopment Authority

The Taunton Redevelopment Authority voted to approve the minutes from the May 28 meeting. The Treasurer's report showing a starting and ending balance of $61,745.27 was also approved. The board discussed the Harvey Street parcel and directed Attorney Dan de Abreu to develop guidelines for an auction or marketing process. The next meeting is set for July 30 at 3 p.m.

• Approved May 28 meeting minutes (vote taken)
• Approved Treasurer's report with balance $61,745.27

City Council

The Municipal Council approved a payroll warrant for $2,573,180.42 and an accounts payable warrant for $3,518,632.50. It also approved reserve‑fund transfers totaling $78,500 for various city department salaries and expenses. All motions were adopted without recorded vote tallies.

• Approved payroll warrant $2,573,180.42 (So voted)
• Approved accounts payable warrant $3,518,632.50 (So voted)
• Approved reserve fund transfers $78,500 across multiple departments (So voted)
• Approved minutes from June 17, 2025 (So voted)
• Approved minutes from March 11, 2025 (Committee on Public Property) (So voted)
• Approved police escort and parking signs for St. Anthony procession (So voted)
• Referred Mass Trails Grant presentation to enclosure (So voted)
• Referred fire station replacement update request to Mayor’s Office (So voted)

City Council

The Council approved payroll and accounts payable warrants totaling $6,091,813.92 and authorized $78,500 in reserve fund transfers. It also approved the successor collective bargaining agreement with Public Employees Local Union 1144A. In addition, the Council approved a series of license renewals for antique dealers, hours of operation, and marijuana retailers.

• Approved payroll warrant $2,573,180.42 (vote passed)
• Approved accounts payable warrant $3,518,632.50 (vote passed)
• Approved reserve fund transfers totaling $78,500 (vote passed)
• Approved successor collective bargaining agreement with Public Employees Union 1144A (vote passed)
• Approved renewal of Antique Dealer License for Taunton Antiques Center, Inc. (vote passed)
• Approved renewal of Hours of Operations Licenses for Planet Fitness and Wendy’s locations (vote passed)
• Approved renewal of Marijuana Retailer License for Bask, Inc. (vote passed)
• Approved renewal of Marijuana Retailer License for GTE Taunton LLC dba Botera (vote passed)

Election Commission

The Election Commission unanimously accepted the recount date of July 24 at 9:00 am and forwarded the election worker appointment list to the Mayor. Commissioners also unanimously moved to revisit Attorney Costa’s letter next month and to ask the City Solicitor to define the board’s legal authorities. The meeting minutes from May 27, 2025 were approved, and the meeting was adjourned at 5:17 pm.

• Approved election worker appointment list and forwarded to Mayor (unanimous)
• Accepted recount date of July 24 at 9:00 am (unanimous)
• Moved to bring Attorney Costa’s letter back up next month (unanimous)
• Moved to ask City Solicitor to define commission’s legal authorities (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 27, 2025 (unanimous)
• Opened and closed public input (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:17 pm (unanimous)

Library Trustees

The trustees approved the May 2025 meeting minutes, financial report, and circulation report. They also approved purchasing permanent signage for the Mill River Park story walk using the library's donation account. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved May 2025 minutes (motion by Mr. Gay, seconded by Dr. Hanna)
• Approved May 2025 financial report (motion by Dr. Hanna, seconded by Mr. Gay)
• Approved May 2025 circulation report (motion by Mr. Gay, seconded by Dr. Hanna)
• Approved purchase of permanent signage from StoryWalk Solutions using the donation account (motion by Mr. Gay, seconded by Dr. Hanna)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (motion by Mr. Gay, seconded by Dr. Hanna)

City Council

The Municipal Council granted the petition to accept a portion of Turner Street between Rhode Island Road and Highstone Street as a public way. It also approved the Order of Taking for the Scadding Street over the Snake River Bridge Replacement project, and reappointed Judith Chambers to the Golf Course Commission for one year. Several communications and referrals were approved, including items from the City Solicitor, Police Chief, Planning Board, and utilities.

• Approved petition to accept portion of Turner Street as a public way (unanimous)
• Approved Order of Taking for Scadding Street over Snake River Bridge Replacement (7 in favor, 1 present)
• Reappointed Judith Chambers to Golf Course Commission for one year (approved)
• Received and filed City Solicitor communication on Xfinity Services changes (approved)
• Approved Police Chief request to have City Clerk request certification for two officers (approved)
• Filed Planning Board Form J Plan for 889 Middleboro Avenue (approved)
• Referred proposed gas line easement with Eversource to Public Property Committee (approved)
• Referred MassDOT All-Way Stop Control Program to Ordinance Committee (approved)

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved a payroll warrant of $1,793,669.02 and an accounts‑payable warrant of $4,536,862.67. The Department of Public Works Committee granted the petition for a low‑pressure sewer extension to Willow Terrace Mobile Home Park, estimated at $2 million. The Committee of the Whole approved the Order of Taking for the Scadding Street over‑Snake River Bridge project. Minutes for prior meetings were also approved.

• Approved payroll warrant $1,793,669.02 (Finance Committee)
• Approved accounts‑payable warrant $4,536,862.67 (Finance Committee)
• Granted petition for Willow Terrace sewer extension (~$2 M) (DPW Committee)
• Approved Order of Taking for Scadding Street Bridge project (Committee of the Whole)
• Approved minutes from June 9, 2025 (Finance Committee)
• Approved minutes from March 25 and April 15, 2025 (DPW Committee)
• Approved minutes from June 3, 2025 (Committee of the Whole)
• Adjourned each committee meeting

Department of Human Services / Council on Aging

The board accepted the March 12, 2025 meeting minutes. Members voted to hold the next board meetings on July 9, 2025 and August 13, 2025. Several program activities were postponed, and a request to review the Assistant Director’s salary was denied. The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m.

• Accepted March 12, 2025 meeting minutes (All in favor)
• Scheduled board meetings for July 9 2025 and August 13 2025 (All in favor)
• Postponed Grand Re‑Opening events until sound system installed
• Postponed Drums Alive class until instructor returns
• Salary review for Assistant Director position denied by HR
• Adjourned meeting at 10:40 a.m. (All in favor)

License Commission

The License Commissioners unanimously accepted the May 14, 2025 minutes. They approved Common Victualler licenses for Tex Barry’s, Uplifted Nutrition, Dom Dom LLC d/b/a Dunkin Donuts, Mylan LLC d/b/a Dunkin, Coco Group LLC d/b/a Dunkin, Kinfolks Award Winning BBQ, LLC, and Devitos Pizzeria. They also approved a change of hours for Fusion Kitchen and a temporary closure of the Portuguese American Civic Club. A motion to approve four additional Common Victualler licenses was made, but the minutes do not record a second or vote outcome.

• Accepted May 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Common Victualler licenses for seven establishments (unanimous)
• Motion made to approve licenses for Curbside Cookin’, Subway, Mimi’s Diner, Knotty Pine Diner (outcome not recorded)
• Approved change of hours for 1 Carnation, LLC d/b/a Fusion Kitchen (unanimous)
• Approved closure of Portuguese American Civic Club June 30–July 6 (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board approved the May 20 and June 3, 2025 meeting minutes. It accepted multiple monthly reports from staff and tabled an epidemiology report. The Board lifted the special food‑safety obligations for DeVito's Pizzeria and placed the establishment at level 3 on the risk‑based inspection schedule.

• Approved May 20, 2025 Board of Health meeting minutes (2‑2 vote)
• Approved June 3, 2025 Board of Health special meeting minutes (2‑2 vote)
• Accepted Todd Pilling’s Health Agent/Septic Plan report (2‑2 vote)
• Accepted sanitary inspectors’ monthly reports (all in favor)
• Tabled Cassidy O’Hara’s epidemiology report (all in favor)
• Accepted Michelle Borrello’s public health nurse report (all in favor)
• Accepted Kevin Duquette’s environmental compliance report (all in favor)
• Lifted special obligations for DeVito's Pizzeria and set it as level 3 risk inspection (all in favor)

City Council

The Municipal Council adopted a comprehensive ordinance amending Chapter 191 to define kennel licensing, set class categories, fees, and inspection requirements. The ordinance passed unanimously with seven councilors voting in favor. The council also approved several referrals, including extending Ed Keyes’s contract, forwarding license renewal petitions, and forwarding requests related to public works, a religious procession, and a property revitalization task force.

• Approved new Kennel Licensing Ordinance (7-0 roll call vote)
• Referred extension of Ed Keyes contract to Committee of the Whole (approved)
• Referred license renewal petitions to Police and License Committee (approved)
• Approved copy of gratitude letter to be placed in officer personnel files (approved)
• Referred waiver of Court Street moratorium to Public Works Committee (approved)
• Referred Corpus Christi procession request to Mayor’s Office and Police Department (approved)
• Referred 47 Grant Street property issue to Neighborhood Revitalization Task Force (approved)

City Council

The Committee on Finance and Salaries approved the minutes from the June 3, 2025 meeting. It also approved the payroll warrant in absentia and an accounts payable warrant for $2,673,410.16. The meeting was then adjourned at 7:33 a.m.

• Approved minutes from June 3, 2025
• Approved payroll warrant in absentia
• Approved accounts payable warrant for $2,673,410.16
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:33 a.m.

Planning Board

The Planning Board forwarded a positive recommendation to the Municipal Council to accept a portion of Turner Street between Rhode Island Road and Highstone Street. It approved the Florinda Estates subdivision, granting three waivers and adopting a list of conditions. A motion to approve a Form J for 44 Liberty Street was made, but the minutes do not record the vote outcome. A motion to approve a special permit for 106 Weir Street was also made, with no recorded vote outcome.

• Forwarded positive recommendation to accept portion of Turner Street (Rhode Island Rd. to Highstone St.) – approved, all in favor
• Approved Florinda Estates subdivision, granting waivers of Sections 311.1, 407.1, and 407.4 and adopting detailed conditions – approved, all in favor
• Motion to approve Form J for 44 Liberty Street with department comments – outcome not recorded
• Motion to approve Special Permit/Site Plan Review for 106 Weir Street with department comments and conditions – outcome not recorded
• Accepted minutes of 5‑1‑25 – approved, all in favor
• Motion to go out of order – approved, all in favor

Board of Health

The Board noted that the May 20, 2025 meeting minutes were not ready and will be available at the June 10 meeting. Members reviewed the proposed local Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations, asked for clarification on definitions, septic requirements, and enforcement, and agreed to resend corrected wording to a board member and obtain legal counsel review. The meeting was adjourned with a unanimous motion.

• May 20, 2025 minutes not ready; will be provided at June 10 meeting
• Board requested clarification and revisions to ADU regulation wording
• Corrected regulation language to be resent to Dr. Bodner
• Legal counsel to review ADU regulations before final adoption
• Adjourned (unanimous vote)

City Council

The Municipal Council approved a $15,000 limit on the Department of Human Services & Council on Aging revolving account for FY 2026. It also approved a public procession on June 21 and moved several items to committee referral, including a special permit for 390 Cape Road and an order of taking for the Snake River Bridge. The Council offered conditional employment to four fire‑department candidates and endorsed a Fortune Teller license despite a residency issue. An amendment to the city’s kennel‑licensing ordinance was moved from a second to a third reading.

• Approved $15,000 limit on Human Services revolving account (vote not recorded)
• Approved procession request for June 21, 2025 and sent to Police Department
• Referred 390 Cape Road special permit to be placed on file
• Referred order of taking for Snake River Bridge project to Committee of the Whole on June 17, 2025
• Referred all listed license renewals and new licenses to Police and License Committee and Police Chief
• Referred new electric street light request on Ferncrest Drive to City Clerk for hearing schedule
• Approved conditional employment offers to Tyren Heggs, Patrick Mello, Evan Parota, and Samuel Finney (unanimous)
• Endorsed Fortune Teller license approval (8‑0 roll‑call vote)

City Council

The council approved payroll and accounts‑payable warrants totaling over $7.8 million. It authorized a ten‑year historic preservation restriction and maintenance agreement for the Taunton Public Library at 12 Pleasant Street. The body also approved a series of license renewals for billiard tables, fortune‑telling, junk collection, livery services, and second‑hand dealers.

• Approved payroll warrant for city departments ($2,165,656.62)
• Approved accounts payable warrant ($5,713,877.55)
• Authorized 10‑year historic preservation restriction for Taunton Public Library (parcel 66-18-0)
• Approved renewal of Billiard Table Licenses for three establishments
• Approved renewal of Fortune Teller License for Bissie’s Palm Reading
• Approved renewal of Junk Collector License for Debrum Salvage
• Approved renewal of Livery Licenses for D and P Community Transportation (3 vehicles)
• Approved renewal of multiple Second‑Hand Article Licenses, including fee waiver for Chalice Thrift Store

Conservation Commission

The Taunton Conservation Commission approved the minutes from May 12, 2025. It issued a Certificate of Compliance for 1225 Somerset Avenue and approved an amended order of conditions for 145 Juniper Lane to replace a failing septic system. The commission also approved orders of conditions for two triplex projects on Filipe Way (permits 46‑328 and 46‑380) with special conditions, and closed both public hearings.

• Approved minutes of 5/12/25
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 1225 Somerset Ave
• Approved amended order of conditions for 145 Juniper Lane septic upgrade
• Approved order of conditions for Filipe Way triplex (permit 46‑328)
• Approved order of conditions with special conditions for Filipe Way triplex (permit 46‑380)
• Closed hearing for Filipe Way triplex (46‑328)
• Closed hearing for Filipe Way triplex (46‑380)
• Amended approval to require notification to Mr. Souza and SV before COC meeting

City Council

The Fire Department Committee interviewed six candidates and then voted to make conditional offers of employment to Tyren Heggs, Patrick Melo, Evan Perrotta, and Samuel Finney. All eight councilors present voted in favor. A separate motion to adjourn the meeting was also approved.

• Conditional offers of employment to Tyren Heggs, Patrick Melo, Evan Perrotta, and Samuel Finney approved (8-0)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting approved

Airport Commission

The Airport Commission approved several motions, including placing lease‑violation letters on the record, opening and then closing public input, and moving forward with the Law Department to terminate the Aire Restaurant lease. The termination motion was approved unanimously by all commissioners. The commission also accepted the engineer’s report and returned to regular business.

• Motion to place lease‑violation letters on record – approved unanimously
• Motion to open public input on the lease issue – approved unanimously
• Motion to close public input – approved unanimously
• Motion to move forward with Law Department and terminate Aire Restaurant lease – approved unanimously (all commissioners voted Yes)
• Motion to accept Engineer’s report – approved unanimously
• Motion to return to regular order of business – approved unanimously

Taunton Redevelopment Authority

The board approved the minutes from the April 23 meeting. It voted to approve the draft Urban Renewal Plan, requiring Stantec to add the new Greystar map for the former Whittenton Mills property. The board made a motion to consult attorney Ed Brennan about the Harvey Street land disposal. The treasurer's report was approved and the next meeting was set for June 18 at 3 p.m.

• Approved April 23 meeting minutes
• Approved draft Urban Renewal Plan with requirement to add Greystar map
• Motion passed to consult attorney Ed Brennan on Harvey Street land disposal
• Approved Treasurer's report
• Set next meeting for June 18 at 3 p.m.

City Council

The City Council approved a police detail and warrant for the special election on June 10, 2025. It also referred several items for further action, including a public hearing on the Turner Street layout plan, license renewal petitions, a road resurfacing petition, and issues about the Together Program location, signage, and speeding. Additional motions placed a presentation on the website and approved reading of committee reports.

• Approved police detail coverage and warrant for the June 10, 2025 special election (motion passed)
• Referred Turner Street layout plan to the City Clerk to schedule a public hearing (motion passed)
• Referred license renewal petitions to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief (motion passed)
• Referred Highstone Street resurfacing petition to the Department of Public Works (motion passed)
• Referred Martin Middle School Together Program issue to the Mayor’s Office and Superintendent’s Office (motion passed)
• Referred concerns about signs on telephone poles to the Department of Public Works and Zoning Enforcement Officer (motion passed)
• Referred speeding issue on Staples Street to the Safety Officer (motion passed)
• Approved placement of the Neighborhood Task Force presentation on the City website (motion passed)

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved payroll and accounts payable warrants totaling over $9.6 million and authorized FY25 general fund and water‑enterprise salary transfers. The Committee of the Whole adopted a resolution urging state legislation that would require CPR and AED training for Massachusetts high‑school students. Both committees also moved into and out of executive session before adjourning.

• Approved payroll warrant $6,077,894.84 (Finance Committee)
• Approved accounts payable warrant $3,581,039.27 (Finance Committee)
• Approved FY25 general fund transfers (Finance Committee)
• Approved transfers for Water Retained Earnings appropriation (Finance Committee)
• Adopted resolution supporting state CPR/AED training requirement for high schools (Committee of the Whole)
• Entered executive session under Open Meeting Law exemption (Committee of the Whole)
• Exited executive session (Committee of the Whole)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:19 PM (Committee of the Whole)

Election Commission

The Election Commission voted unanimously to add Councilor Borges' packet to the record and to investigate nomination papers for proper notarization and signature handling. Commissioners also voted to keep communication open between the Director, Chairman, and City Solicitor, to approve the April 22 minutes, and to schedule the next meeting for June 24, 2025. The meeting was adjourned at 4:39 p.m.

• Added Councilor Borges' packet documents to the record (unanimous)
• Ordered investigation of nomination papers and follow‑up at next meeting (unanimous)
• Ensured open communication between Director, Chairman, and City Solicitor (unanimous)
• Approved the April 22, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for June 24, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. (unanimous)
• Opened public input (unanimous)
• Closed public input (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting at 4:39 p.m. (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board approved the minutes from the February 27, 2025 meeting. It granted a variance for the Tuttle property at 81 Cotley St. to use an existing shed for agricultural purposes. It granted a variance for the Cataldo property at 135 Princess Kate Circle to reduce the front‑yard setback. It granted a variance for the Rocha property at 889 Middleboro Ave. to divide one lot into two.

• Approved February 27, 2025 meeting minutes (vote Yes)
• Granted variance for 81 Cotley St. shed use (vote Yes)
• Granted variance for 135 Princess Kate Circle front‑yard setback (vote Yes)
• Granted variance for 889 Middleboro Ave. lot division (vote Yes)

Historic District Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the May 1, 2025 meeting. It approved a fence at 44 Dean Street, requiring the chimney to be built within 60 days and the stairs painted by year‑end. It also approved repairs at 30 Dean Street based on submitted photos and set the regular meeting day to the third Thursday of each month, moving June’s meeting to June 26.

• Approved May 1, 2025 meeting minutes (All in favor)
• Approved fence at 44 Dean St, contingent on chimney completed within 60 days and stairs painted by year‑end (All in favor)
• Approved repairs at 30 Dean St based on photos (All in favor)
• Set regular meetings to third Thursday each month; moved June meeting to June 26 (All in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (All in favor)

Americans with Disabilities Act Commission

The commission approved the prior meeting minutes by motion and second, but the vote result was not recorded. A motion to adjourn the meeting was also made and seconded, with no outcome noted. The discussion covered ongoing ADA projects such as the Weir Riverfront, TWLL Building ramp, and updates from local groups, but no actions were formally approved.

• Motion to approve April 30, 2025 minutes made (outcome not recorded)
• Motion to adjourn meeting made (outcome not recorded)

Library Trustees

The board approved the April 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved the April 2025 financial and circulation reports. The trustees then approved a motion to adjourn the meeting at 1:35 p.m.

• Approved April 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved April 2025 financial report
• Approved April 2025 circulation report
• Approved motion to adjourn

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved the April 8, 2025 meeting minutes and moved new business off the agenda. It accepted a $2,000 fine for A Plus Gas and declined to suspend the business with a 2‑1 vote. The board also approved several staff monthly reports and tabled the epidemiology report for later discussion.

• Approved April 8, 2025 Board of Health minutes (3-0)
• Approved motion to move new business outside agenda (3-0)
• Accepted $2,000 fine for A Plus Gas and did not suspend the business (2-1)
• Accepted Todd Pilling’s report (3-0)
• Accepted Danielle Gurgel’s sanitary inspectors report (all in favor)
• Accepted Eileen North’s food inspection report (all in favor)
• Accepted Diane Heath’s report on permits and inspections (all in favor)
• Tabled Cassidy O’Hara’s epidemiology report (all in favor)

City Council

The council voted to approve the City of Taunton's FY2026 Consolidated Financial Policies and Procedures. A motion was approved to refer the water‑intrusion complaints from Bennett Street Extension residents to the Building Commissioner, with a report due in three weeks. The council also approved referring the airport lease dispute to the Committee of the Whole for discussion at the next meeting.

• Approved FY2026 Financial Policies (motion passed)
• Referred water‑intrusion issue to Building Commissioner, report in three weeks (motion passed)
• Referred airport lease dispute to Committee of the Whole for next‑week discussion (motion passed)

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved the minutes from the May 12, 2025 meeting. It also approved a payroll warrant for $1,748,247.53 and an accounts payable warrant for $5,763,864.25. The meeting was adjourned at 6:32 PM.

• Approved May 12, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Approved payroll warrant $1,748,247.53 (motion passed)
• Approved accounts payable warrant $5,763,864.25 (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:32 PM (motion passed)

License Commission

The License Commissioners approved special alcohol permits for four community events and a common victualler’s license for Morton Hospital. They also approved the minutes from three prior meetings and set a Zoom hearing for a license transfer application. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved special alcohol permit for Taunton Eagles Soccer Club Holy Ghost (May 30‑31, 6 pm‑12 am; June 1, 2 pm‑10 pm) – unanimous
• Approved special alcohol permit for St. Anthony Church (June 8, 1 pm‑5 pm) – unanimous
• Approved special alcohol permit for St. Anthony Church (July 25‑26, 6 pm‑11 pm) – unanimous
• Approved special alcohol permit for Holy Ghost Society of East Taunton (July 11‑13, 6 pm‑11:30 pm; 2 pm‑8 pm) – unanimous
• Approved common victualler’s license for Morton Hospital & Medical Center – unanimous
• Approved minutes of March 12, March 21, and April 9, 2025 – unanimous
• Continued hearing on Fusion Kitchen license transfer to July 20 via Zoom – unanimous

City Council

The council approved the May 6 meeting minutes and a motion to file the received PILOT payment from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. It approved the request to use public streets for a Holy Ghost procession and referred it to the Police Chief. Six license renewal and new‑license petitions were referred to the Police and License Committee and the Police Chief. An ordinance amending Chapter 222 on recreational marijuana establishments was scheduled for a third‑reading roll‑call vote.

• Approved May 6, 2025 meeting minutes (vote recorded as "So Voted")
• Approved filing of PILOT payment from Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe ("So Voted")
• Approved procession request and referred to Police Chief ("So Voted")
• Referred six license petitions to Police and License Committee and Police Chief ("So Voted")
• Approved reading and adoption of Committee Reports ("So Voted")
• Scheduled third‑reading roll‑call vote on recreational marijuana ordinance

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved the minutes from the May 6, 2025 meeting. It also approved a payroll warrant (in absentia) and an accounts‑payable warrant for $5,079,499.63. The committee approved a $75,525 payment for a prior‑year Parks, Cemeteries, and Public Grounds bill after hearing from Mr. Marshall. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 AM.

• Approved minutes from May 6, 2025
• Approved payroll warrant in absentia
• Approved accounts‑payable warrant for $5,079,499.63
• Invited Mr. Marshall to discuss Parks request
• Approved $75,525 payment for prior‑year Parks bill
• Adjourned meeting at 7:35 AM

License Commission

The Board of License Commissioners held a virtual special meeting on May 9, 2025. Commissioners approved a motion to change the date of the Downtown Taunton Foundation’s special alcohol permit from May 2 to May 9, 2025. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously on a roll‑call vote. The meeting adjourned at 10:07 a.m.

• Approved change of permit date to May 9 (unanimous)

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Taunton Emergency Planning Committee approved the minutes from the March 18, 2024 meeting by unanimous vote. No other substantive actions were approved, denied, or tabled. The remainder of the meeting was spent on a tabletop exercise and informational reports.

• Approved March 18, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Airport Commission

The Airport Commission entered an executive session, then unanimously approved a motion to break the Aire Restaurant & Catering lease and allow the City of Taunton Law Department to represent the commission. The commission later left the executive session and adjourned, each by unanimous vote.

• Entered executive session (unanimous approval)
• Approved breaking Aire Restaurant & Catering lease and authorizing city law department representation (unanimous approval)
• Left executive session (unanimous approval)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous approval)

City Council

The Municipal Council adopted an amendment prohibiting parking on both sides of Matteson Lane from Bay Street for 200 feet, passing unanimously. It also approved a revision to the recreational marijuana ordinance that increases the total number of retailer licenses by two, reserving one for a social‑equity applicant. Additional actions included appointing Ashley Salter to the Airport Commission, approving three new street‑light installations, and referring several license petitions and a $75,525 playground invoice to the appropriate committees.

• Approved parking prohibition on Matteson Lane (8‑0 vote)
• Approved increase of marijuana retailer licenses by two (vote count not recorded)
• Appointed Ashley Salter to Airport Commission (3‑year term)
• Approved street light at 132 Ferncrest Drive
• Approved street light on pole 19 R1 West Water Street
• Approved street light on pole 30 Dighton Avenue
• Referred eight license petitions to Police and License Committee
• Referred $75,525 South Street Playground invoice to Finance Committee

City Council

The council approved a payroll warrant for $1,678,100.63 and an accounts‑payable warrant for $5,619,741.66. It also approved numerous license renewals, a name change for a Class II auto‑sales license, and a 90‑day temporary extension for a Fortune Teller license while the matter is tabled. Finally, the council adopted an amendment to the city’s marijuana licensing process ordinance.

• Approved payroll warrant of $1,678,100.63
• Approved accounts‑payable warrant of $5,619,741.66
• Approved renewals of multiple business licenses (antique dealers, billiard tables, junk collectors, etc.)
• Approved change of Class II license name for Autowise Car Sales to Carros Auto Mall
• Approved 90‑day temporary extension for Fortune Teller license at 103 Main St and tabled further action
• Approved amendment to the marijuana licensing process ordinance
• Approved minutes from prior meetings (April 29, 2025 and April 8, 2025)
• Adjourned the meetings

Planning Board

The board voted to forward a positive recommendation on the Housing Production Plan, with all members in favor. It also opened public input on the Florinda Estates subdivision and then granted a continuance of that hearing to June 5, both unanimously approved. Finally, the board closed public input on the 437 Whittenton St site‑plan review, again with unanimous support.

• Forwarded positive recommendation on Housing Production Plan (all in favor)
• Opened public input on Florinda Estates subdivision (all in favor)
• Granted continuance of Florinda Estates hearing to June 5 (all in favor)
• Closed public input on 437 Whittenton St site‑plan review (all in favor)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission approved the minutes from the January 16, 2025 meeting. It agreed to invite the owners of 61 Summer Street to the next meeting and to defer actions on 24 Dean Street and 44 Dean Street to future meetings. The commission also adopted a schedule of monthly meetings on the third Thursday of each month beginning in June.

• Approved minutes from Jan 16 2025 (all in favor)
• Invited owners of 61 Summer Street to attend the next meeting (all in favor)
• Continued discussion of 24 Dean Street to the next meeting (all in favor)
• Continued discussion of 44 Dean Street issues to the May 22 meeting (all in favor)
• Adopted monthly meetings on the third Thursday starting in June (all in favor)

Americans with Disabilities Act Commission

The commission discussed recent ADA updates at several city sites but did not approve any new actions. A motion to approve the February 6, 2025 minutes was made and seconded, though the outcome was not recorded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM after a motion to adjourn was made and seconded.

• Motion to approve February 6, 2025 minutes (outcome not recorded)
• Motion to adjourn meeting at 6:30 PM (passed, no vote tally recorded)

City Council

The City Council heard the FY 2026 operational budget presentation, which totals $324,081,044.40. Councilors moved numerous budget line items to be taken under advisement. They voted to refer funding for the new opioid position to the Supplemental Budget. All motions were adopted.

• Take budget 111 under advisement (adopted)
• Take budget 138 under advisement (adopted)
• Invite Shab Khan to give an update to the Committee of the Whole (adopted)
• Refer opioid position funding to the Supplemental Budget (adopted)
• Refer additional IT funding to the Supplemental Budget (adopted)
• Invite Police Chief to discuss training for FY25‑26 (adopted)
• Take budget 210 under advisement (adopted)
• Refer fire staffing conversation to the Fires and Wires Committee (adopted)

City Council

The City Council approved the minutes from the April 22 meeting. The Council also voted to reopen the hearing on the Greystar Development East, LLC special permit for a 390‑unit residential project at 437 Whittenton Street and to invite the interested parties to the enclosure. No final decision on the permit was made at this meeting.

• Approved reading and adoption of the April 22, 2025 meeting record
• Reopened hearing on Greystar 390‑unit special permit and invited interested parties

City Council

The council approved the minutes from the April 22, 2025 meeting. It also approved a payroll warrant for $4,362,898.27 and an accounts‑payable warrant for $2,042,452.12. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved April 22, 2025 minutes (motion by Borges, second by Martin)
• Approved payroll warrant of $4,362,898.27 (motion by Borges, second by Martin)
• Approved accounts‑payable warrant of $2,042,452.12 (motion by Borges, second by Martin)

Taunton Redevelopment Authority

The board approved the minutes from the March 19 meeting. The committee voted to have OECD conduct research on seven parcels that could be added to the Draft Urban Redevelopment Plan and to share the results with the consultant Stantec. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved March 19 meeting minutes (vote taken)
• Tasked OECD to research seven parcels for URP and report back (vote taken)

City Council

The Municipal Council approved the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 222 to regulate recreational (non‑medicinal) marijuana establishments and increased the total number of retailer licenses to eleven, reserving one for a social‑equity applicant. The Council also approved a motion to refer the Safety Officer’s recommended no‑parking ordinance for King and Bay Streets to the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills. Additionally, three license renewal petitions (billiard tables and a Taco Bell) were referred to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief, and the minutes from the April 15 meeting were approved.

• Approved record of April 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of recreational marijuana ordinance, sent to second reading
• Approved referral of no‑parking ordinance recommendation to Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills
• Approved referral of three license renewal petitions to Committee on Police and License and Police Chief
• Approved reading and adoption of Committee Reports

City Council

The City Council approved the minutes from the April 15, 2025 meeting. It also approved a payroll warrant for $1,688,571.23 and an accounts payable warrant for $3,332,234.94. The committee discussed a request to transfer $600,000 for school technology, but no decision was recorded.

• Approved minutes from April 15, 2025
• Approved payroll warrant of $1,688,571.23
• Approved accounts payable warrant of $3,332,234.94

Election Commission

The Election Commission unanimously elected Jason Roomes as Chairman and Melissa Langham as Clerk. The commission also approved the March 25, 2025 minutes, opened and closed public input, scheduled the next meeting for May 27, 2025 at 4:00 pm, and adjourned at 4:20 pm.

• Approve March 25, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Open public input (unanimous)
• Close public input (unanimous)
• Elect Jason Roomes Chairman and Melissa Langham Clerk (unanimous)
• Schedule next meeting May 27, 2025 at 4:00 pm (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting at 4:20 pm (unanimous)

Library Trustees

The board approved the March 2025 meeting minutes, the March financial report, and the March circulation report. The Friends of the Library chose to keep donation procedures unchanged, continuing to accept all donations and rely on volunteers to sort them. The board noted upcoming boiler replacement work and confirmed receipt of the second State Aid payment, bringing the FY 2025 total to $183,234.72. The meeting was adjourned at 1:37 p.m.

• Approved March 2025 minutes (Board approved)
• Approved March 2025 financial report (Board approved)
• Approved March 2025 circulation report (Board approved)
• Friends of the Library decided to keep donation procedures as they are (decision made)
• Approved motion to adjourn (Board approved)

City Council

The City Council approved a motion to reopen the special‑permit hearing for the 437 Whittenton Street development and invited the interested parties into the enclosure. It also approved referrals of a parking‑concern to the Department of Public Works and a pond‑cleaning concern to the Mayor’s Office, placed the finance team’s presentation on the city website, and referred a councilor’s letter on federal funding cuts to the Committee of the Whole.

• Reopened Whittenton Street special‑permit hearing and invited interested parties (approved)
• Referred parking‑concern at Whittenton Mills development to Department of Public Works (approved)
• Referred pond‑cleaning concern to Mayor’s Office (approved)
• Moved to page #6 of the agenda packet out of regular order (approved)
• Referred Councilor Borges’s letter on federal funding cuts to Committee of the Whole (approved)
• Placed finance team presentation in the official record and on the City website (approved)
• Motion to make the finance presentation part of the record (approved)
• Councilor Duarte’s request to check ESSER fund status (motion to follow up, approved)

City Council

The council approved the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting, the payroll warrant for $4,602,736.62, and the accounts‑payable warrant for $82,554,535.95. A motion to table the marijuana licensing process was adopted, and the council dismissed Attorney Costa’s presentation before adjourning. No formal action was taken on the Route 79/Rhode Island Road improvement project.

• Approved April 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved payroll warrant $4,602,736.62
• Approved accounts‑payable warrant $82,554,535.95
• Tabled marijuana licensing process discussion
• Dismissed Attorney Costa’s presentation and adjourned at 6:34 PM
• Adjourned meeting at 5:35 PM

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved the Eagle Scout trail project at Boyden Wildlife Refuge. It accepted a mayoral decorum letter and a letter from Carolyn Basler about the Soper Property. Several applications received Negative Determinations, while the 1 Clark Street roadway improvement was approved with an Order of Conditions. An Order of Conditions was also issued for the Field and Scadding Streets parking and trail project.

• Approved Eagle Scout trail project at Boyden Wildlife Refuge
• Accepted mayoral decorum letter and placed on file
• Accepted Basler letter and authorized sign inscription
• Issued Negative Determination with Special Conditions for 0 Glebe St driveway
• Issued Negative Determination with Special Conditions for Nelton Ave gas main project
• Issued Negative Determination with Special Conditions for 123 Dolan Circle sewer connection
• Approved 1 Clark Street roadway improvement and issued Order of Conditions
• Issued Order of Conditions for Field & Scadding Streets parking and trail project

License Commission

The Board of License Commissioners approved a special event permit for Irmandade do Espirito Santo at 33 Baker Road West for June 20‑22, 2025. It also approved a DBA change for Dimakis, LLC to Mediterranean Bar & Grill, a manager change and officer changes for the Italian Naturalization Club at 46 Wales Street, and a change of operating hours for Aire Restaurant and Catering at 4 Westcoat Drive. All motions were seconded and passed unanimously.

• Approved special permit for Irmandade do Espirito Santo, 33 Baker Road West (June 20‑22, 2025) – unanimously passed
• Approved DBA change for Dimakis, LLC d/b/a Mediterranean Grill to Mediterranean Bar & Grill – unanimously passed
• Approved change of manager for Italian Naturalization Club, Inc., 46 Wales Street – unanimously passed
• Approved change of officers/directors/LLC managers for Italian Naturalization Club, Inc., 46 Wales Street – unanimously passed
• Approved change of hours for Aire Restaurant and Catering, LLC, 4 Westcoat Drive – unanimously passed

Board of Health

The Taunton Board of Health accepted the monthly reports from the Health Agent, Sanitary Inspectors, Epidemiologist, Public Health Nurse, Environmental Compliance Officer, Tobacco Prevention Collaborative, Assistant Executive Director, and Executive Director. Each motion to accept a report was seconded and passed with all members in favor. The board also noted a cease‑and‑desist order and $1,000 fine issued to Goldstein’s for selling tobacco to a minor.

• Accepted Todd Pilling’s Health Agent/Septic Plan Review report (unanimous)
• Accepted Daniel Ross’s Sanitary Inspector report (unanimous)
• Accepted Eileen North’s Sanitary Inspector report (unanimous)
• Accepted Diane Heath’s Sanitary Inspector report (unanimous)
• Accepted Cassidy O’Hara’s Epidemiologist report (unanimous)
• Accepted Michelle Borrello’s Public Health Nurse report (unanimous)
• Accepted Kevin Duquette’s Environmental Compliance Officer report (unanimous)
• Accepted Jennifer Do‑Teixeira’s Tobacco Prevention report (unanimous)

City Council

The council adopted a resolution supporting a $350,325 MassDevelopment site‑readiness grant for the property at 395B West Water Street. Four commissioners were reappointed to the Historic District, Parking, and Airport commissions. Several items—including a curb‑cut waiver, a finance department update, and a high‑school CPR/AED training resolution—were referred to the appropriate committees for further action.

• Adopted Resolution supporting $350,325 site‑readiness grant (8 in favor)
• Reappointed Joseph Norte to Historic District Commission (2‑year term)
• Reappointed Charles Thayer to Historic District Commission (2‑year term)
• Reappointed James Dorsey to Parking Commission (3‑year term)
• Reappointed Zena Shivers to Airport Commission (3‑year term)
• Referred Finance Dept Q3 FY2025 update to Finance and Salaries Committee
• Referred curb‑cut waiver request at 75 County Street to Public Works Committee
• Referred CPR/AED high‑school training resolution to Committee of the Whole

City Council

The council approved the payroll warrant for $1,619,100.25 and the accounts payable warrant for $2,126,322.18. It also approved the minutes from the March 25 and April 1 meetings. Several dealer, pawn, and vendor licenses were renewed, and the ownership of the Commonwealth Alternative Care marijuana retail license was transferred to In Good Health.

• Approved payroll warrant of $1,619,100.25
• Approved accounts payable warrant of $2,126,322.18
• Approved minutes from March 25 and April 1, 2025
• Approved renewals of multiple dealer, pawn, and vendor licenses
• Approved transfer of marijuana retail license to In Good Health

Planning Board

The board approved a set of conditions for the modified site‑plan review of 1141 County Street, voting 6 in favor. It also approved the release of five Gracey Estates lots upon receipt of an additional $54,105, bringing the total to $204,105. The March 6, 2025 minutes were approved, and the Mayor’s communication was received and filed.

• Approved site‑plan review modification for 1141 County St with conditions (6‑0)
• Approved release of five Gracey Estates lots upon receipt of additional $54,105, total $204,105 (unanimous)
• Approved March 6, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Received and filed Mayor O’Connell’s communication (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council voted to change its regular meeting time from Monday evenings to the prior Monday morning at 7:30 a.m. The council also approved the payroll warrant for $4,520,668.68 and the accounts‑payable warrant for $6,478,430.97. A moratorium waiver was approved for a road cut at Glebe Street, and several business licenses were renewed while one second‑hand article license was denied.

• Changed regular council meeting time to Monday mornings at 7:30 a.m. (motion passed)
• Approved payroll warrant of $4,520,668.68 (motion passed)
• Approved accounts‑payable warrant of $6,478,430.97 (motion passed)
• Approved moratorium waiver for road cut at Glebe Street (motion passed)
• Approved seven license renewals and referred them to the Police and License Committee (motion passed)
• Approved multiple specific license renewals (billiard, class II, 24‑hour, junk collector, livery, second‑hand article) (motions passed)
• Denied second‑hand article license for “Me Myself and I” at 87 Plain Street (motion passed)
• Excused Detective Peter MacDougall and adjourned the meeting (motion passed)

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved a payroll warrant of $4,520,668.68 and an accounts‑payable warrant of $6,478,430.97. The Public Works Committee granted a moratorium waiver for a road cut at Glebe Street Lots A & B. The Police and License Committee approved numerous license renewals, denied one second‑hand article license, and the Committee of the Whole approved a Host Community Agreement waiver and a 7‑0 collective‑bargaining agreement with Local Union 1144B.

• Approved payroll warrant $4,520,668.68
• Approved AP warrant $6,478,430.97
• Approved moratorium waiver for Glebe Street road cut
• Approved renewal of multiple licenses (billiard tables, Class II, 24‑hour operation, junk collector, livery, second‑hand article)
• Denied second‑hand article license for Me Myself and I
• Approved Host Community Agreement waiver and referred marijuana retail license transfer to Police & License committee
• Approved successor collective bargaining agreement with Public Employees Local Union 1144B (7‑0 vote)
• Adjourned Committee of the Whole at 6:32 PM

Airport Commission

The commission unanimously accepted the engineer’s report and the mayor’s letter, placing the latter on file. The financial report was tabled until May 28, 2025. A grant for the MEPA/NEPA Phase 1 site assessment for Taxiway Alpha was approved. The board entered an executive session and then adjourned.

• Accepted Engineer’s report (unanimous approval)
• Accepted Mayor Shaunna O’Connell’s letter and placed on file (unanimous approval)
• Tabled Financial Report until May 28, 2025 (unanimous approval)
• Accepted Airport Manager’s report (unanimous approval)
• Accepted Airport Coordinator’s report (unanimous approval)
• Approved MEPA/NEPA Phase 1 ENF/ANRAD grant for Taxiway Alpha (unanimous approval)
• Entered executive session (unanimous roll‑call approval)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous approval)

Americans with Disabilities Act Commission

The commission approved the February 2025 meeting minutes after a motion by Bob Folcik and a second by Nancilee Lemaire. The meeting was then adjourned at 6:30 PM following a motion by Bob Folcik and a second by Maria Santos. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved February 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:30 PM (motion passed)

City Council

The council rejected a motion to endorse a proposed polling plan (4‑5 vote). It then approved the Elections Director's recommended polling‑location changes unanimously (9‑0). A motion to move approval of budget pages #1‑#5 to the full council on April 30 was approved. The council also voted to enter executive session at 8:13 p.m. (9‑0).

• Motion to endorse proposed polling plan failed (4‑5)
• Motion to approve polling location changes as presented passed (9‑0)
• Motion to move approval of budget pages #1‑#5 to April 30 approved
• Motion to enter executive session at 8:13 p.m. passed (9‑0)
• Minutes from March 18, 2025 approved
• Payroll warrant for $1,892,802.41 approved
• City AP warrant for $9,531,199.52 approved
• School AP warrant for $640,595.93 approved

City Council

The Finance and Salaries Committee approved a payroll warrant for $1,892,802.41, a City accounts‑payable warrant for $9,531,199.52, and two school accounts‑payable warrants for $640,595.93 and $352,844.30. The Ordinances Committee approved a list of stop‑sign locations and asked the Law Department to draft an ordinance, and it approved a request to prohibit parking on both sides of Matteson Lane for 200 feet from Bay Street, referring the matter to the Ordinance Committee and the Safety Officer. The committee also approved the revised Kennel Ordinance. The Public Works Committee approved two intermunicipal agreement documents contingent on an indemnity agreement with the property owner.

• Approved payroll warrant $1,892,802.41 (Finance Committee)
• Approved City AP warrant $9,531,199.52 (Finance Committee)
• Approved School AP warrant $640,595.93 (Finance Committee)
• Approved School AP warrant $352,844.30 (Finance Committee)
• Approved stop‑sign list and directed Law Department to draft ordinance (Ordinances Committee)
• Approved parking prohibition request for Matteson Lane and referred to Ordinance Committee and Safety Officer (Ordinances Committee)
• Approved revised Kennel Ordinance (Ordinances Committee)
• Approved two intermunicipal agreement documents, pending indemnity agreement with property owner (Public Works Committee)

Election Commission

The commission approved the February 25, 2025 meeting minutes. It adopted the Director of Elections' recommendation to move precincts 2A and 2B to 30 Olney Street and precincts 1A and 1A1 to 141 Oak Street. The mayor’s email was entered into the record, and the next meeting was set for April 22, 2025 at 4:00 pm. The meeting adjourned at 4:17 pm.

• Approved February 25, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted polling‑location changes: 2A & 2B to 30 Olney St, 1A & 1A1 to 141 Oak St (unanimous)
• Made Mayor Shaunna O’Connell’s email part of the record (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 4:00 pm (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting at 4:17 pm (unanimous)

License Commission

The Board of License Commissioners met virtually on March 21, 2025. Commissioner Steven Turner moved to approve a special alcohol permit for Talisa’s on Main (65 Main Street) for March 21, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously on a roll‑call vote.

• Approved special alcohol permit for Talisa’s on Main (unanimous roll‑call vote)

Taunton Redevelopment Authority

The board approved the minutes from the January 15 and February 19 meetings and also approved the annual expense and deposit report. The committee decided to delay further work on the Draft Urban Redevelopment Plan and will bring suggestions to the April 23 meeting. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved minutes of Jan 15 and Feb 19 meetings
• Approved Annual Report on expenses and deposits
• Postponed Draft URP review until April 23 meeting