MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
March 29, 2016
A SPECIAL MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Tuesday, March 29, 2016.
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone, and Commissioners Angelo LaMonica, Richard Zaharek, Douglas Benedetto, Glenn McLeod, Darlene Battle and Robert Conforti. Also present were Police Chief Maniago, Fire Chief Brunoli, Deputy Police Chief Smedick, Deputy Fire Chief Pepler and Comptroller Alice Proulx.
Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. starting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted 5/1 with Commissioner McLeod opposed, to approve a FY16/17 Fire Department budget of $4,922,704. Chief Brunoli noted that this budget is $80,000 less than FY2010. Commissioner Conforti commended the Chief for this budget.
VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to approve a FY16/17 Volunteer Department budget of $89,758. Commissioner McLeod said their efforts are to be commended. Commissioner Benedetto noted that all departments were asked to submit a zero-increase budget.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Battle, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to approve a FY16/17 Emergency Management Department budget of $35,611. Mayor Carbone noted that a grant offsets 50% of this budget. Commissioner McLeod expressed his disappointment that the subcommittee didn’t make more progress and urged that more work be done on this.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted 5/1 with Commissioner McLeod opposed, to approve a FY16/17 Police Department budget of $8,440,875. Commissioner Benedetto said he is opposed to the elimination of the D.A.R.E. program and the elimination of the Active Shooter Training Program. Chief Maniago added that the Board of Education has a fiduciary responsibility to help fund the SRO position. Commissioner McLeod said the cuts are disconcerting to him.
TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to approve a FY16/17 Traffic Department budget of $344,875.
ANIMAL CONTROL DEPARTMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Battle, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to approve a FY16/17 Animal Control Department budget of $260,053.
PUBLIC SAFETY MISCELLANEOUS
On a motion by Commissioner McLeod, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted 5/1 with Commissioner Benedetto opposed, to approve a FY167/17 Public Safety Miscellaneous budget of $2,455,931. Commissioner Benedetto expressed his opposition to the high cost of fire hydrant rentals.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Police Personnel
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session under Police Personnel at 6:43 p.m. inviting Chief Maniago and Deputy Chief Smedick.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to enter Open Session at 6:51 p.m.
HIRE PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICER
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to hire Bailey J. Cook, IV as a probationary police officer with a start date at the discretion of the Chief.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 6:52 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Carol L. Anderson, CMC, MCTC
Assistant City Clerk
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