MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
AUGUST 14, 2002
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, August 14, 2002, in the Council Chambers.
Present was Acting Mayor Marie Soliani, members of the Board of Public Safety, Richard L. Zaharek, Robert C. Zordan, Jr. James E. Potter, and Carolann Kennedy-Pucino, Corporation Counsel Al Vasko, Police Chief Roger Janelle, Deputy Police Chief Robert Milano, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, and Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell. Commissioners Thomas Telman and Christopher Cook, and Fire Chief John Field were absent.
In Mayor Quinn’s absence, Acting Mayor Soliani called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M.
MINUTES: #010
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held June 12, 2002.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held July 10, 2002.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: #050
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. No one spoke.
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from Chief Janelle to promote Probationary Officer Robert Guida to Patrolman C, effective July 30, 2002.
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from Deputy Fire Chief Giampaolo to appoint the following Probationary Firefighters to permanent status:
Robert Ebner Joseph DuCotey Edward DeLisle
M. DRISCOLL #190
Michael Driscoll requested the right to speak in regard to #5 on the agenda, in regard to no parking signs in the Alvord Street area, and asked the board to consider the letters written by the Police and Fire Departments on the issue.
REPORTS #240
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept the Patrol Division and Support Services Reports for July 2002.
TRAFFIC UNIT REPORT #250
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Unit Report for June and July 2002.
ALVORD STREET #265
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, discussion took place in regard to Officer Shopey’s recommendation to post “No Parking” signs on the south side of Alvord Street, from Main Street to its intersection with George Street, as well as the entire east side of George Street.
The present signs in the area were reviewed.
Officer Shopey noted that the parking signs were spaced sporadically and were confusing. It was his intent to up-date the entire side. (The South Side of Alvord and East Side of George.)
Mr. Driscoll requested “No Parking” on the entire side of Alvord Street due to transients and problems that have occurred there in the past.
Corp. Counsel Vasko also indicated to Officer Shopey that cars parked on both sides at the bottom of Donahue Street, as it approaches George Street, were also creating a problem and the board may want to consider signing a portion of Donahue Street as well. The entire length of the north side of Donahue Street is posted “No Parking” while parking is allowed on the south side.
Commissioner Potter made a motion to have the Traffic Division address the issue with Alvord, George and Donahue Streets and make the appropriate changes for the accessibility of fire apparatus and whatever else needs to be taken care of. Commissioner Zordan seconded the motion.
Acting Mayor Soliani requested clarification: The board voted to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation to: “Post No Parking signs on the south side of Alvord Street, from Main Street to its intersection with George Street, as well as the entire east side of George Street,” with the addition of Donahue Street.
The vote was unanimous.
LAUREL HILL ROAD #410
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, a brief discussion took place in regard to Officer Shopey’s recommendation to post “No Tractor Trailer Traffic” for eastbound traffic only on Laurel Hill Road, from the Route 8 Exit 43 ramp to Calli Street.
Under discussion, Commissioner Potter asked that Officer Shopey contact the state to see if they could post the area as well.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation to post “No Tractor Trailer Traffic” for eastbound traffic only on Laurel Hill Road, from the Route 8 Exit 43 ramp to Calli Street.
MIGEON AVENUE #480
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, discussion took place in regard to Officer Shopey’s recommendation to post “No Parking” signs on the east side of Migeon Avenue, the entire length from Water Street to North Elm Street.
Parking would remain on the west side of the street.
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation to post “No Parking” signs on the east side of Migeon Avenue, the entire length from Water Street to North Elm St.
PURCHASE A NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL CABINET #560
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council the authorization of $6,524.00 from Contingency to purchase a new traffic signal cabinet to replace the one that was damaged on High Street. (The city will be reimbursed from Geico Insurance.)
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #570
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept Fire Chief Field’s report for July 2002.
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT #580
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Fire Chief’s report for July 2002.
FIRE MARSHAL & TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT #590
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal and Training Officer’s report for July 2002.
INCIDENT REPORT #600
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for July 2002.
EMS SUPPLEMENTAL / CAMPION AMBULANCE SERVICE #610
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, discussion took place on the EMS Supplemental/Campion Ambulance Service. (Paperwork was distributed at meeting.)
Deputy Chief Giampaolo stated that before them, the board had the basic application to the state to allow the Fire Department’s integration to the EMS system in the City of Torrington, allowing Campion Ambulance to continue to provide the primary service, while the Fire Department would be their back up and/or assistance.
Under the present system, the Fire Department is covered by the Good Samaritan Law. With the supplemental agreement with the City and Campion Ambulance, the state recognizes the Fire Department as a component of the EMS system, which lends credibility not only to the Fire Department but the entire city in times of litigation.
Under the agreement, Campion would be responsible for insuring the proper training and make certain that the record keeping was up to date. It would allow the Fire Department staff to maintain a level or assert to a higher level of medical training once they realized they were part of a system within the city limits.
Post 9-11, Deputy Chief Giampaolo stated that departments had been thrust to work closer together and share each other’s responsibility. In terms of training and treating medically, the Fire Department wants to do more.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo noted that five firefighters were CPR or First Aid Certified, and everyone else had either MRT or EMT certification. He felt the firefighters would be motivated to keep their certification in force and continue to train if they knew they were going to be utilized within the system.
Commissioner Pucino inquired whether the training would be incorporated within normal working hours. Deputy Chief Giampaolo said they would.
Acting Mayor Soliani inquired if there would be any added costs to the Fire Department.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo said it would cost more for the extra training. New firefighters being hired were mandated to have the MRT level, which the city would be responsible for maintaining those levels of certification. Rather than sending a few firefighters to class to maintain their levels of certification, they would hire someone to come in to train everyone. The training costs would not be prohibitive and the benefits outweigh the costs.
Commissioner Potter pointed out that this board had never seen the agreement with Campion Ambulance. He noted that, even though the paperwork included a letter of support from Mr. Rosa, Commissioner Potter remembered that Mr. Rosa had not been in favor of the fire department being involved in the ADT’s several years ago. He wondered if his change of heart had anything to do with OEMS being on their case about response time.
Commissioner Zordan indicated that Mr. Rosa had spoken to him over the phone and that Mr. Rosa completely supported the program, but wanted to make certain they’re remained the primary responders.
Commissioner Potter pointed out his concern over the fact that, during the last few years, the board had discussed the problem of the Fire Department’s ability to handle some of their own calls and, if Campion asked them to respond to a medical call, what would take priority?
Commissioner Zordan said “That’s Campion’s responsibility, but if the Fire Department happens to be there and somebody drops, isn’t that the way we want to work it?”
Commissioner Potter said the agreement would allow Campion to call upon the Fire Department to respond to a call if they were tied up at other calls.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo indicated that this was not unlike any other agreement across the country. If the opportunity arose where Campion needed to dispatch the Fire Department, they want to be able to respond. The protocol would be to leave one individual at the scene with the patient at the time of the second call. That would not tie up the entire department in order to help that one citizen. It was his opinion that the patient would be better off with a response from the Fire Department with medically trained personnel, than have to wait for a neighboring town for help, and the Fire Department would worry about the second call if and when it came in.
Commissioner Potter inquired whether they would burden the volunteers with these calls.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo said “If it’s a fire related call, if Campion is dispatching us, then we are going. It’s a completely separate issue. It’s not a fire related call at that point. This is separate from the way the Police Department would dispatch. Campion would already know that there’s an incident going on, CDC would contact us directly and say ‘Could you get a unit up to Newfield Road, we’re not going to be able to get there right away’.”
Commissioner Zaharek inquired whether the Fire Department had all the equipment to transport injured people?”
Deputy Chief Giampaolo indicated that they wait for an ambulance to transport.
Commissioner Zordan pointed out that the city was paying Campion for their services and was concerned about the possibility of not getting the services that we pay for in the future.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo couldn’t foresee that happening and indicated that they would monitor the situation. The application defined exactly what the Fire Department would be responding to.
Commissioner Pucino inquired how the Fire Department would handle another service when they already had a problem in handling simultaneous alarms.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo indicated that they weren’t talking about an everyday incident. He noted that they presently do this every day.
Commissioner Potter reiterated that the state was concerned about the response time in having to wait for the assistance from neighboring towns.
Commissioner Zordan thought it was a great idea, he just didn’t want Campion to take advantage of it.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo reiterated that he didn’t foresee that happening because this was what they did for a living and they didn’t want it taken from them. He assured the board that it was merely to extend the “cooperation between departments.” This would help Campion as well as every resident in the City of Torrington.
Commissioner Potter inquired whether the City would end up with grievances from the firefighters.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo reassured the board that “This is nothing different than what we presently do now.”
The advantages would include Campion overseeing the Fire Department’s training. As a Supplementary First Responder, the state would recognize the Fire Department as a trained entity and support the city in the event of liability. It would also provide the firefighters with the impetus to maintain their medical certification.
Commissioner Pucino inquired whether the firefighters would be required to maintain their medical certification.
As part of this process, Deputy Chief Giampaolo said it would be required.
Commissioner Pucino asked if that might cause Union issues.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo said “No, because we’ve already discussed this with the Union.”
Corp. Counsel Vasko asked if the Union had signed off on it, noting that the mandate to keep their medical certification wasn’t part of their contract.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo said, “I said we’re in discussion with the Union. We haven’t even agreed to this.”
Corp. Counsel Vasko felt before this board voted on this matter there should be an agreement with the Union that they go along with it, because if this board passes this, it will become a policy of the city. They needed to get the Union on board before the city made the application.
Commissioner Potter said he was supportive of the agreement however he expressed his concern over the city having to pay for EMT classes when this year’s budget was drastically slashed.
Commissioner Pucino inquired why the board had just been presented with the material. She complained about items being added to the agenda the night of the meeting, or receiving back up material during the meeting, allowing them no time to review it.
VOTE #1350
Commissioner Potter indicated that he was supportive of the idea, however, he agreed with the Union concerns brought up by Corp. Counsel Vasko. He made a motion to table the matter until September. Commissioner Pucino seconded the motion.
Under further discussion, Deputy Chief Giampaolo said “If we can get the Union to sign off on this, then we come back here and we discuss this.”
Commissioner Potter said they needed something from the Union.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo said “But we’re going to have a majority. I’m concerned now on the other side of the coin that I get an agreement, we sit down and bargain in good faith with the Union and then we could potentially come back here and shoot it down.”
Commissioner Zordan said he would support it. He said “It makes me feel a little uncomfortable, like Al said, ‘If we say, o.k. this is policy,’ now they look at it and say, ‘Hey, now that it’s policy we have to do this, I want more pay.’” He would like the Union to say “We’re willing to do it, we’ll sign off on it, we just need permission to be able to do it.”
Commissioner Zaharek pointed out the legal issues as well, where they would lose their protection under the Good Samaritan Law. Corp. Counsel Vasko may want to research what our liabilities would be in the event they moved forward on this matter.
The entire board that was present stated at one time or another during they’re meeting, that they would support the agreement if their concerns were addressed.
Commissioner Potter pointed out that some firefighters were presently not required to have medical training, other than basic first aid, and he expressed his concern that firefighters might suddenly want additional training and the city would be responsible for paying.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo indicated that the city pays for any class than an individual is interested in attending.
Commissioner Pucino asked again whether any additional training would be during regular working hours and not on overtime.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo said the city pays for the EMT class, however, it doesn’t pay for an individual to go to the class. If a firefighter wanted to become an EMT, he could do that at any point anyway.
If they attended Northwest or Naugatuck Valley our tax dollars would still pay for it.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo said “Yes, it’s part of what we do.”
Acting Mayor Soliani indicated that it would be continuing ed, which she always felt was a good thing.
The board voted unanimously to table the matter until September.
BUSINESS: DEPARTMENT HEADS #1480
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Chief Janelle pointed out that the board’s packets included a letter from Joseph Gallant expressing dismay with the way the Police Department handled a certain incident on May 27, 2002. Frankly, Chief Janelle said he was surprised to see the letter because, the last he heard was that he had no desire to file a formal complaint. To inform the board, Chief Janelle stated, admittedly, there were some questions related to the investigation he was referring to, and that investigation had been turned over to Lt. LeClair, who will make a recommendation as to whether or not the officer’s actions were appropriate. If there is a problem with the way his officers acted or responded to that call, that disciplinary action will be taken. He will present the outcome to the board once
the investigation is complete.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo reported that a Memorial Service would be held on September 8 and requested closing Water Street from John Street to Prospect Street for the duration of the ceremony. (Approximately one hour.)
ADD TO AGENDA #1630
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to add the item to the agenda, by 2/3rds vote.
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board accepted Officer Shopey’s recommendation to approve the request to close Water Street from John Street to Prospect Street on September 8, 2002, for a one hour duration at 11:00 A.M. for a memorial ceremony.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo also informed the board that the Muscular Dystrophy Drive is scheduled for the last Thursday of the month.
ADD ITEM TO THE AGENDA #1780
Officer Shopey requested adding an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote with regard to
a vehicle replacement.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to add the item to the agenda.
VEHICLE REPLACEMENT #1800
. Officer Shopey explained the need to replace the 1985 Chevy, C10 one-half ton short-bed-van, currently being used by the Traffic Unit. After an intense review of the need of the department, the Purchasing Agent, Equipment Maintenance manager and Officer Shopey determined that the Sprinter van would best fit the need of the department at a cost of approximately $37,920.00. Officer Shopey informed the board that this item was presented to the City Council during their last meeting and was denied. At that time, neither he nor Mike Michaud was aware that it would be presented to the City Council, therefore, they were not present to answer any of their questions. Officer Shopey asked the board to authorize him to bring it back before
the City Council.
Commissioner Zordan inquired why the department needed a more elaborate van than the one they presently had.
Officer Shopey indicated that the vehicle will carry the paint machine and all the equipment needed for breakaway signs, and its use would preserve the life of the department’s bucket truck.
Officer Shopey indicated that the present van was scheduled to be replaced several years ago, but was pushed back because he needed to borrow funds from the vehicle replacement account to refurbish the bucket truck when it failed the OSHA test.
Chief Janelle stated that the City Council rejected the proposal as presented, not because of the description of the vehicle or the specifications, but rather because they were asked to waive the bid process since this vehicle was one of a kind. It was his belief that the Council instructed them to go back to the drawing board and put out specs to see if other vendors could bid on it.
Acting Mayor Soliani added, that the Council was very concerned about the price of this vehicle and the fact that it wasn’t in Officer Shopey’s budget.
Chief Janelle stated that the money was there to purchase the vehicle, and, in all fairness, he thought it was up to the department to determine their need and the type of vehicle that would be best to accomplish their jobs.
Officer Shopey admitted having concerns over his vehicle replacement account for the future since he was already in arrears, however, he was convinced by Purchasing and Equipment Maintenance, when they all sat down to review the vehicle and its needs, that this vehicle was the best choice.
Commissioner Potter inquired about grant funds that were made available to the city, that was returned to the state, to purchase a vehicle
Chief Janelle indicated that the city would have had to contribute funds towards the purchase of a Ford Expedition and the funds weren’t available.
Officer Shopey noted that the city will be eligible for another similar grant in October based on past participation. The city should be eligible for 80% of $25,000.00. Officer Shopey indicated that the vehicle will be at City Hall for inspection by the Council on Monday evening.
Corp. Counsel Vasko stated that the City Council was the only body who could waive the bid process. Essentially, the traffic department, in coordination with Purchasing and Equipment Maintenance, had researched various options and their recommendation was to purchase the Sprinter van.
MOTION #2400
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council to waive the bid process and to purchase the Sprinter van for use by the Police Department’s Traffic Unit.
Chief Cornell commended Chief Janelle for the Explorer Program.
He noted that the twelve firefighters would be outfitted with new turnout gear.
He noted that their fourth fund raiser would be a car show on Friday night and several more fund raisers were coming up.
BUSINESS BY MAYOR AND MEMBERS #2620
Commissioner Pucino thanked the Fire Department for being invited to the Annual Chiefs meeting.
She reported that National Night Out and the DARE Car Show were successful events.
She asked that packets be put together in their entirety prior to the meeting.
Commissioner Zordan requested eliminating one parking space on Dawes Avenue due to a parking problem being created by a large truck that parks there approximately 23 hours a day.
ADD TO AGENDA #2740
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to add the item to the Agenda, by 2/3rds vote.
DAWES AVENUE #2750
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to remove the first parking space and move it further down Dawes Avenue where Officer Shopey may determine the best place for it to be.
ADD TO AGENDA # 2800
Commissioner Potter requested adding an executive session to the agenda under Pending Litigation and Personnel, Fire Department.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: PENDING LITIGATION & PERSONNEL: FIRE DEPARTMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to approve the request for an executive session. It was held at the end of the meeting.
Commissioner Potter indicated that someone had approached him in regard to the property on Brook Street and inquired why it hadn’t been addressed through the Blight Ordinance.
Secondly, Commissioner Potter requested a copy of the proposed Tax Abatement Ordinance scheduled for a Public Hearing on Monday night.
Commissioner Potter inquired how the Fire Department paid for the new air conditioner unit.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo noted that encumbered funds from last year that were earmarked for other projects were used.
Commissioner Potter wanted to know why the Council chose to take monies from funds already earmarked for something, rather than from emergency funds such as Contingency.
Commissioner Potter inquired whether sick time owed to Deputy Chief Milano was resolved.
It was Commissioner Potter’s understanding that the Chiefs’ and Deputy Chiefs’ clothing allowance, approved through the budget process, had not yet been resolved.
He requested Acting Mayor Soliani to pass that along to the council, and have those two issues resolved.
Finally, Commissioner Potter inquired the status of the proposed Rescue Truck.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo noted that the entire Vehicle Replacement Account was being re-evaluated. As far as he knew, an actuary would be called in to evaluate the account, oversee its inventory, and rewrite the plan while insuring that there’s enough money in it to replace the vehicles at certain increments along the plan.
Acting Mayor Soliani said it was her understanding that it was Mike Michaud’s recommendation to bring someone in to evaluate the vehicle replacement account because he wasn’t certain the way it was put together was correct. It was because of his recommendation, that an expert in this type of program, be brought in for a complete evaluation.
Chief Janelle indicated that it seemed like a new process was starting and felt like he was being left out of the loop. He didn’t think people should make allocations or project what the department is going to need in the next ten years without asking him.
Commissioner Potter indicated that the board should also be involved in the entire process. They were under the impression that the money set aside in the vehicle replacement account are monies allocated to those specific departments, and not as a pool for the whole city.
Acting Mayor Soliani said that was a good point. She thought that was why the actuary was being hired. She thought they should give it a chance to see how it would project.
Commissioner Potter indicated that the request for the Rescue Truck brought the issue to a head. He felt it was because people were trying to tell the Board of Safety what they needed or didn’t need for emergency services in this city.
Speaking on behalf of the Council, Acting Mayor Soliani didn’t agree with Commissioner Potter’s statement. Personally, she felt the vehicle replacement account was one of the best things to come out of that administration and it deserved to be scrutinized to make certain it was being done correctly. She believed it was a good idea to have an independent person look at the account.
Commissioner Pucino inquired where the funds would come from to pay for the actuary.
Acting Mayor Soliani thought there was a budget specifically set up for things of this nature.
Commissioner Potter said he didn’t want the Rescue Truck to be swept under the carpet. He suggested that perhaps someone could push our State Representatives / State Senator to help the city secure a grant for the rescue truck that Chief Field had applied for in the past.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo indicated that Representative Kovaleski was aware of it and working in our favor.
Commissioner Potter said he hoped Chief Field was recovering well from his back surgery.
Commissioner Potter asked Deputy Chief Giampaolo to report on the status of some recent grievances.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo noted that the city was victorious in the grievance filed by the Training officer in regard to the change of working conditions.
The grievance filed in regard to transferring people from the line to the training division was a unilateral move on the city’s part and set aside.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, he board voted unanimously to go into executive session at 9:10 p.m. Under Pending Litigation and Personnel: Fire Department.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CCTC, CMC
CITY CLERK
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by James Potter, seconded by Richard Zaharek, the board went into open session at 9:36 p.m.
On a motion by James Potter, seconded by Robert Zordan, the board adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
ALBERT G. VASKO
Acting Recording Secretary
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