MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
July 1, 2015
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, July 1, 2015.
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Raymond Rigat, Commissioners Darlene Battle, Glenn McLeod, Douglas Benedetto, and Robert Conforti, along with Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Deputy Fire Chief Christopher Pepler, Police Chief Michael Maniago, and Traffic Officer Steven Pisarski. Fire Marshal Ed Bascetta and Campion Ambulance Director of Operations Fred Rosa were also present along with Drakeville Fire Chief Mike Maccalous, Torringford Fire Chief Elliot Bickford and Burrville Captain Jason Noad. Commissioners Angelo LaMonica and Richard Zaharek were absent.
Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. starting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular meeting held June 3, 2015.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
On a motion by Commissioner McLeod, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no one present who wished to speak.
REPORTS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to accept Fire Chief Brunoli's Report for May 2015.
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Fire Chief Pepler's Report for May 2015.
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept Training Officer Tripp's Report for May 2015.
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Report for May 2015.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to accept Fire Marshal Bascetta’s Report for May 2015.
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept Police Chief Maniago’s Report for May 2015.
POLICE APPT.: M. Blasik
On a motion by Commissioner McLeod, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the appointment of Officer Mark Blasik as a regular member of the Torrington Police Department, having successfully completed his probationary period. Chief Maniago noted that he is recommending Officer Blasik without reservation or concern.
REPORTS Continued
On a motion by Commissioner McLeod, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Pisarski's Traffic Operations Unit Report for May 2015.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report for May 2015.
BUSINESS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Volunteer Fire Departments.
Torringford announced their upcoming Car Show on July 10, and reported that two firefighters completed their practical exam for Firefighter 1, with a written test later this month.
Drakeville reported that two firefighters completed the Firefighter 1 course, one passed and one will re-take the exam soon. He announced their Annual Meeting on July 14th at 7:00 p.m.
BUSINESS: DEPT. HEADS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Chief Brunoli reported that Deputy Fire Marshal LaMothe has passed his inspection module and the Chief listed
the eleven firefighters that have completed their requirements to come off probation after one year.
He reported that Burrville VFD has purchased a fire truck without prior approval, and without notifying him. Chief Brunoli said his recommendation is to reconsider the overall Memorandum of Understanding and the violations, and make a decision on the future.
Commissioner Benedetto asked what the membership is at Burrville VFD. Chief Brunoli said he did not know. Captain Noad said they have two black helmets, one in process, ten active yellow helmets and six fire police.
Commissioner McLeod noted that the numbers of firefighters is less relevant if they do not show up.
Captain Noad recounted the events that led up to the truck’s purchase, saying it was not planned and was an opportunity that he took advantage of.
Commissioner Conforti noted that there is a process, which was not followed. Commissioner McLeod said he could not see the urgency for buying the truck. Captain Noad explained Burrville VFD’s responses to calls.
Mayor Carbone referred the matter to Corporation Counsel, with the Board indicating their agreement, and asked him to review the Memorandum of Understanding and bring information from a legal perspective back to the August 5th meeting. She stated that the Burrville VFD response times should be reviewed over the next three or four months and be discussed before the next budget season to see how the volunteer fire departments funding compares to the services the taxpayers are receiving.
Director Rosa announced Campion Ambulance’s 30th Anniversary today.
BUSINESS: MAYOR & MEMBERS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Benedetto asked Officer Pisarski if the line-of-sight issue was resolved on Roberts St. and Officer Pisarski said it was. Commissioner Benedetto asked how the downtown patrol is going and Chief Maniago said it has been well received.
Commissioner Conforti congratulated Captain Tom Sterling for rescuing a dog.
Commissioner McLeod congratulated the Police and Fire Departments for their Blood Drive.
Mayor Carbone announced her creation of an Ad Hoc Committee charged with breaking the Emergency Management Department down and looking at what other communities are doing for Emergency Management and their best practices. She appointed Chief Brunoli, Deputy Chief Pepler, Chief Maniago, Deputy Chief Smedick and Tim Waldron and requested Commissioner Conforti to accept an appointment, while asking for another volunteer from the Board.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:11 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Carol L. Anderson, MCTC, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
| 
