MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
OCTOBER 9, 2002
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, October 9, 2002, in the Council Chambers.
Attending were Councilor Marie P. Soliani acting as Mayor in Mayor Quinn’s absence, Commissioners Richard L. Zaharek, Robert C. Zordan, Thomas T. Telman, Jr. James E. Potter, Carolann Kennedy-Pucino, and Christopher H. Cook, Corporation Counsel Al Vasko, Police Chief Roger Janelle, Deputy Police Chief Robert Milano, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Fire Chief John Field, Fire Marshal Timothy Taurau, Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell, and Comptroller, Alice Proulx.
Councilor Soliani called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m., immediately following a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Police & Firemens’ Pension Fund.
MINUTES #560
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held August 14, 2002.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #570
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. No one from the public participated.
APPOINTMENTS
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Janelle’s recommendation to appoint the following individuals to Probationary Patrolmen: James Delay, effective September 16, 2002, Humberto Henriques and Todd Fador, effective September 23, 2002.
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Janelle’s recommendation to appoint Probationary Officer Gerald Peters as a regular member of the Torrington Police Department effective October 15, 2002.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s recommendation to assign Samuel Gizzie, Neal Wescott, and Nicholas Votino to permanent status with the Torrington Fire Department.
PATROL & SERVICES REPORT #710
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the Patrol Division and Support Services Reports for August and September 2002.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #750
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted to move item 21 and go into an executive session at 7:35 p.m. under personnel to discuss the appointment of positions of Police Lieutenant and Police Sergeant.
OPEN SESSION #760
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to reconvene the Open Session at 8:25 p.m.
APPOINTMENTS: LIEUTENANT & SERGEANT #770
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted to appoint Sergeant Francis Balzano to the position of Lieutenant, effective October 13, 2002. Commissioners Zaharek and Zordan abstained.
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to promote Officer Patrick Berardinelli to Sergeant, effective October 13, 2002.
WAGE INCREASES: CANINE ASSISTANT #840
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Potter, a discussion took place in regard to the request to increase Torrington Canine Assistant Harold Valleys’ wages by 3%, retroactive to 7/1/02.
Chief Janelle asked the Board to amend the recommendation for a wage increase for Harold Valley from 3% to a flat $8.00 per hour. He noted that Mr. Valley was earning $7.21 an hour and 3% would give him a $0.21 per hour increase. The other two assistant dog wardens were receiving $8.00 per hour and Chief Janelle felt they should all be paid equally. He stated there were sufficient funds in the budget to cover the average 25 hours a week that Mr. Valley worked at $8.00 per hour.
Chief Janelle stated that the city had three assistant dog wardens that worked on a per diem basis and Mr. Valley always reported to work faithfully when called when the others weren’t available.
Commissioner Telman made a motion to recommend to the City Council the approval of Harold Valley’s wage increase to $8.00 an hour. Commissioner Pucino seconded the motion. Unanimous.
TRAFFIC UNIT REPORT #920
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Unit Report for August and September 2002.
CT. MOTORCYCLE TOURS FALL FOLIAGE SHOW #940
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s request for permission to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission for the closure of Main Street, from Water Street to Church Street on Sunday, October 20, 2002 from the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the annual Connecticut Motorcycle Tours Fall Foliage Motorcycle Show.
CALHOUN STREET #960
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, a discussion took place on the request to revisit the parking on Calhoun Street.
John Mitchell of 42 Calhoun Street agreed with Officer Shopey’s statement that it would be better to issue no parking in the area, if safety was the issue, and he felt safety was indeed an issue whenever he attempted to exit his driveway. Mr. Mitchell indicated that he objected to the trucks parking there more than cars, and the trucks were parked there from the business.
He pointed out that the situation had significantly improved over the past ninety days when no parking signs were posted.
Mr. Mitchell felt the parking on Calhoun should be more clearly defined. His interpretation of the various signs posted (“Begin 30 Minute Parking,” and “30 Minute Parking”) was that the entire street was for 30 minutes parking.
William Lupino of 30 Calhoun Street, stated that the area had been posted for one hour parking for twenty years and he couldn’t understand the need to change. He expressed his concern over the hardship in exiting his driveway, and feared for the children getting off the school bus. He would welcome no parking in front of his house.
Valerie Royals spoke on Glenn Royals’ behalf. She stated that her husband wanted her to mention that he had not seen anyone abusing the parking situation in front of Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Lupino’s homes, and would like to see it maintained as it is to eliminate any hassle from his customers.
In regard to the one hour parking sign that had been posted for the past twenty years, Mrs. Royals stated that they were installed when Sullivan’s Karate Studio was there. When her husband opened his business there were no restrictions.
It was Mrs. Royals’ opinion, if no parking signs are approved for Calhoun Street, the board should post the entire north end because anyone pulling in and out of a parking space, will face the same situation.
Thomas Delane, a resident of 36 Calhoun Street for the past 26 years, stated that parking had always been a problem. He agreed with Mrs. Royals that fewer vehicles had parked there in the past ninety days, however, large beer trucks, flatbeds, etc. had parked there. The Safety Board evidently agreed at one time or another that there was a sufficient problem to warrant the one-hour parking. It was a matter of safety.
Stacy Lupino, 30 Calhoun Street, said she had a video showing how difficult it was for her to exit her driveway. She was afraid for her safety as well as the safety of her one-year-old son who sits in the back seat of her car.
Commissioner Potter indicated that he had driven by Calhoun Street on a number of occasions during the past ninety days, and on only one occasion was there a truck parked there. What perturbed him more than anything was the number of unregistered vehicles and ones that were half taken apart in Royals’ parking lot, a parking lot which was supposedly for customer parking. He thought Mr. Royals should address that situation.
Mrs. Royals said the parking lot was used for employees, as well as customer parking.
Commissioner Cook indicated that he recently noticed a van parked in the area.
One of the residents said Officer Shopey had suggested taking pictures or videos of the situation if they wanted to prove there was a safety issue. From that day on, there had not been any abuse. He said “It’s pretty ironic that they need that parking until the day the signs are gone. Ninety days, they don’t need it. Why?”
Officer Shopey had not submitted a recommendation. He noted that the parking had not been abused over the past ninety days, however, everyone involved might have been on their best behavior. It was his belief that additional problems would occur if the board voted not to place time limits on parking. It was also his belief that the business was not dependent upon on-street parking. Issues with Mr. Royals’ parking lot should be cleared up. He noted that the mouth of the driveway extended the entire width of the parking lot, and that additional street parking would be created between the residents and his driveway, if the mouth was restricted to a 12, 15, or 18 foot opening. That was a zoning issue, not a matter for the Board of Safety.
Mrs. Royals indicated that large trucks need to pull into their parking lot and a wide mouth was necessary.
Officer Shopey’s suggestion was to follow the residents’ recommendations. If they were happy with 30 minute parking signs, which would allow Mr. Royals to have some on-street parking and allow for some movement of traffic. If they wanted no parking because they felt it was a safety issue, then Officer Shopey would agree to eliminate the parking, not only on their side of the street, but the other side as well, from the intersection of John’s Produce to Main Street.
Commissioner Potter said he was concerned about the school bus having to stop in an undesignated area.
Commissioner Zordan said the board should consider safety of the residents over a commercial issue.
Commissioner Telman noted that, as a business owner himself, he was aware that parking was at a premium. He preferred the 30 minute parking limits with enforcement, and no parking on the other side of the street.
Commissioner Cook felt the 30 minute parking limits wouldn’t help the situation with the school bus, should a car or truck happen to be parked there when the bus arrived.
Councilor Soliani asked for a consensus of the residents, they said they preferred no parking.
MOTION #1880
Commissioner Zordan made a motion to accept the residents’ recommendation of no parking. Commissioner Cook seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-2, with Commissioners Telman and Potter opposing the motion.
Commissioner Potter said he would have approved 30 minute parking limits.
Councilor Soliani asked the board if they meant that no parking signs would be installed on Calhoun Street from Main Street to Benham on both sides of the street.
Commissioner Zordan said they were talking about two spaces.
Commissioner Telman said, “From the end of Royals’ property and John’s Produce to Benham.”
Commissioner Zordan said, “And so, from the corner too there, 30 minutes.”
Commissioner Potter said “Yes, because they need the parking for the businesses around the front of the building too, on Main Street.” He suggested that Mr. Royals take a look at his accumulation of vehicles in his lot to free up some spaces.
Commissioner Zordan said the motion was for no parking for the two spaces that Officer Shopey had recommended.
Commissioner Potter indicated that parking would remain at 30 minutes in front of Royals’ business.
Commissioner Zordan said, “And also across the street at John’s Produce.” He inquired as to too many spots would be affected.
Officer Shopey said he believed one space maybe two at the most would be affected in front of the yellow house between the produce driveway and the corner of Benham Street.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEM #2030
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, discussion took place in regard to Officer Shopey’s report concerning the traffic signal system and related traffic problems within the City of Torrington.
Officer Shopey thought it was important for the board to know that action was taken on the complaints that were filed. He noted that the traffic system project was still not a closed project, but due to be finalized shortly. The only changes to occur would be at the intersection of East Main and Torringford West due to BJ’s gas station.
Commissioner Potter asked Officer Shopey about the status of Greenridge Road.
Officer Shopey indicated that Mr. Broggi had provided him with information on what was happening at the intersection, but Officer Shopey had not been a party to recent discussions on the matter and wasn’t aware of its status.
Officer Shopey indicated that the state told the contractor he could install a traffic signal, but he would have to meet the state’s specifications, and part of those specifications included installing a fifth lane. The state wanted a dedicated fifth turn lane in the middle for opposing traffic. The contractor didn’t think it was feasible for him to purchase additional property to make the road wider to accommodate a fifth lane.
If the city decided to pay for the signal, it would also have to pay for the road improvements. Additionally, there’s an inland wetland’s issue. Officer Shopey didn’t think the city would ever see a signal at Greenridge Road. The state has been adamantly opposed to a traffic signal and had placed demands that were very difficult to meet.
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s report concerning the traffic signal system and related traffic problems within the City of Torrington.
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT #2370
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept Fire Chief Field’s reports for August and September 2002.
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT #2380
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Fire Chief Giampaolo’s report for August and September 2002.
FIRE MARSHAL & TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT #2420
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal and Training Officer’s report for August and September 2002.
INCIDENT REPORT #2440
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for August and September 2002.
SECURITY UNIFORMS #2450
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to extend the current bid from Security Uniforms on Firefighter Work Pants for one additional year per the Option to Renew clause and referred it to the City Council.
AIR CONDITIONER REPAIRS #2480
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Potter, discussion took place in regard to prior year funds in the Fire Department’s budget for air conditioner repairs. (Sent back to Board of Safety by City Council.)
Comptroller Alice Proulx explained that she and Mayor Quinn reviewed the Fire Department’s budget when the air conditioner failed. Chief Field was absent due to back surgery and Deputy Chief Giampaolo was on vacation, and they couldn’t get a quorum of the Board of Finance to get approval of funds from Contingency. By reviewing the Fire Department’s prior year monies encumbered for specific items already complete, they came up with $20,000.00 to pay for the repair.
When Chief Field was approached with the suggestion of using prior year funds, he didn’t have a problem, but Deputy Chief Giampaolo was the person in charge of expenditures. Mayor Quinn and Ms. Proulx decided to use prior year funds to pay for this expense.
Upon Deputy Chief Giampaolo becoming aware of the situation, he said he earmarked the funds for items other than what they were initially intended for, and the only way that could occur was to get approval from the boards. That was the reason Ms. Proulx had submitted his request to the Board of Safety on what he wanted to use those funds for. If the board approved the moneys being expended for those projects, they would need to take $8,828.61 from the contingency for the air conditioner repairs. If they used the encumbered funds, it would leave a balance of $50.26. She explained that contingency should only be used as a last resort.
Councilor Soliani being a member or council stated, she is opposed to using Contingency if funds could be found elsewhere.
Chief Field had explained to Ms. Proulx that most of the encumbered funds were earmarked for one thing or another, but was willing to look for funds in prior year reserves to pay for the air conditioning. He reviewed the individual items in prior year reserves with Ms. Proulx and they decided to use $11,000.00 from voided purchase orders, etc. The other $8,000.00 + was already earmarked for certain items.
Commissioner Potter suggested taking the balance from the roof replacement account since the roof hadn’t gone out to bid yet and he felt it could be held off for another six months.
Chief Field indicated that the roof had gone out to bid.
MOTION #3040
Commissioner Telman made a motion to recommend to the City Council to use $11,641.39 from the Fire Department’s budget (Prior Year Encumbrances) and $8,000.00 (plus change) from Contingency. Commissioner Zordan seconded the motion.
Commissioner Potter opposed the motion, stating that the $8,000.00 + could be taken from the roof account. On a 5-1 vote, the motion carried.
REPLACE MOTOR IN ENGINE #2 #3160
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Potter, a discussion took place in regard to the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to waive the bid process and authorize funds from Contingency to replace the motor in the Fire Department’s Engine #2.
Commissioner Telman inquired how many more years this vehicle would be in service? Chief Field said he really couldn’t say, but noted that the truck was thirteen years old and, according to the Vehicle Replacement Plan, its life expectancy was twenty years.
Commissioner Potter made a motion to use funds from the Vehicle Replacement Account rather than Contingency to repair Engine #2, since he didn’t think it would hurt the Vehicle Replacement Account even with the current plans the way they were. Commissioner Telman seconded the motion.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that two separate motions were on the floor and Commissioner Telman would have to amend or rescind his motion.
Commissioner Telman amended his original motion to recommend to the City Council that the monies to repair Engine #2 should come from the Vehicle Replacement Account. Commissioner Potter seconded the motion. Unanimous.
FIRE MARSHAL’S VEHICLE #3420
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted to change the Fire Marshal’s vehicle from Category “B” to Category “A.”
During discussion, Chief Field indicated that, during the policy making process, he attempted to get the Fire Marshal’s vehicle into Category A but was unable to do so. Chief Field then received a letter from Fire Marshal Taurau requesting that his vehicle be put back into Category A so the city could meet the requirements set forth under the State Statutes for his response to investigations of fires, explosions, incidents, etc.
Commissioner Potter referred to Fire Marshal Taurau’s letter where he stated that on occasion he had been teaching on weekends at the Fire School in Torrington, and used the city vehicle to get to and from the school. Commissioner Potter questioned whether it was fair to the taxpayers for someone to use a city vehicle for personal gain. He noted that the city had two other Fire Marshals that could be made available should the need arise.
Chief Field said he understood Commissioner Potter’s reasoning, however, the Fire Marshal was on call 24/7. It is clearly spelled out in the State Statutes that he needed to go to these incidents for investigation purposes and needed the availability and flexibility to be on call. It was more cost efficient for him to respond to an incident from the Fire School than for him to drive to Burlington to pick up his vehicle. Additionally, Chief Field indicated that they had to keep units on scene for security purposes until the Fire Marshal’s arrival, and this was costly.
Commissioner Potter suggested using the other two Deputy Fire Marshals to cover for the Fire Marshal when he is teaching school, just as though he was on vacation.
Chief Field stated that, by rights, each one of them should be in Category A and have that same flexibility 24/7.
Fire Marshal Taurau said his call backs averaged once a week. For the past seven years he’d been using the vehicle under the previous policy that had built-in flexibility to use the vehicle for school use. On several occasions he had left his students to tend to an incoming call. He assured the board that he didn’t abuse the privilege.
Commissioner Potter stated that Fire Marshal Taurau used the city car when performing his Fire Marshals’ duties in Burlington.
Fire Marshal Taurau said “I’ve had to tend to calls before because I either came home from work or been out, and if there’s something, I would leave from there to come here because this is my primary job.”
Councilor Soliani asked if this was a Union issue.
Chief Field answered no.
Fire Marshal Taurau indicated that the new policy changed the way he operated from the way he had operated in the last six years.
Councilor Soliani asked if the Deputy Fire Marshals had their own vehicles as well.
Chief Field said only one Deputy had a city vehicle.
Commissioner Pucino indicated that the second Fire Marshal was also on call, and if the first one was busy, the second one would be called.
Chief Field indicated that Fire Marshal Taurau is contacted first and it’s his decision to respond or call a Deputy Fire Marshal.
Councilor Soliani asked if they shouldn’t be requesting both vehicles to be changed to Category A.
Commissioner Telman suggested that perhaps the Fire Marshal’s vehicle could be left at the firehouse. He noted that he would receive mileage compensation for using his vehicle back to town.
Commissioner Cook amended his motion to include the Deputy Fire Marshal’s vehicle as well as the Fire Marshal’s vehicle in the change from Category “B” to Category “A” and that all city vehicles from the Fire Marshal’s Office have city emblems placed on them.
Commissioner Potter amended his second. The board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
FIRST RESPONDER SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION #240
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, a discussion took place in regard to the First Responder Supplemental application. (Tabled on 8/14/02.)
Chief Field stated that this item was discussed in August and the board had requested certain items be met. He felt all requests had been met; i.e., they received a letter from the Union, a letter from Campion Ambulance, and a letter from the insurance company saying their policy would not change.
Commissioner Potter said the request in regard to the Union was to negotiate this into their contract. He believed the discussion was that there were still some individuals in the department who was not required to have the MRT certification.
Chief Field said that was correct. He said the status they were running at the present time was not going to change. This application was merely to accommodate their legal requirements and accommodate joint services, if it ever reached that point.
Commissioner Potter stated that they were told everyone would become MRT certified and maintain that certification, and it was Corp. Counsel Vasko’s advice that this agreement should be negotiated to assure the city that they would get and maintain their certification.
Chief Field stated that during the past five years or so, one of the job requirements for all new hires is that they get and maintain their certification throughout their employment with the city. They had approached the matter on that angle instead of negotiating with the Union.
Commissioner Potter noted that the city had been hit with grievances when the board attempted to do things they felt were good for the department. He preferred getting an opinion from Corp. Counsel Vasko as far as the Union issue was concerned.
Corp. Counsel Vasko pointed out that the letter from the firemen’s Union said they were looking forward to working with the city to help eliminate any issues, but he thought the board was looking for assurance that grievances wouldn’t be filed for overtime, etc., prior to the application being submitted.
Commissioner Zordan was concerned about the possibility that employees would want their salaries renegotiated because they were being asked to do extra work.
Commissioner Potter added “Or negotiate the requirement to have the MRT.” He wasn’t willing to sign off on this application until the issue was settled.
For clarity, Chief Field asked “You want us to go into negotiations with the Union to address the issue of people obtaining and maintaining a minimum level of MRT for all firefighters within the Union?”
Commissioner Potter noted that there were still a few individuals who weren’t required to maintain that level.
Chief Field indicated that they were probably at 95%.
Commissioner Potter stated he supported the idea, but he wasn’t willing to take the chance with the other 5%. Additionally, he didn’t think it was a big deal, they would still be doing what they always do until they are able to sit down with Corp. Counsel to discuss the issue. Commissioner Potter stated he would follow Corp. Counsel Vasko’s advice, and if Corp. Counsel thought it was something that had to be dealt with as far as the contract was concerned, then that’s the way Commissioner Potter would go.
Chief Field said it was his understanding that the letter of support from the Union was going to be sufficient.
Councilor Soliani suggested that someone from the Fire Department speak with Corp. Counsel to get the wording that this board would accept on the Union letter.
The bottom line was that the entire board was in support of the agreement. They just didn’t want the city to get any repercussions from it.
Chief Field said, “So the wording that the Corp. Counsel, myself and the Union come up with, and agree upon, is what you guys will. . . . (sentence unfinished.)”
Commissioner Telman added “And everybody signs off on.”
Chief Field asked the board if this was the only issue the board had with the application.
Commissioner Potter said he would like to see some policies in place. He was very worried about self-dispatching once this thing took place, because it had already occurred during an incident at the Warner Theater several months ago. Those circumstances created a self-dispatch for medical and he knew that was totally against the Fire Department’s policies.
Chief Field asked, “So this Union agreement and the policy is what you’re looking for and then this would be all set?”
Commissioner Telman said “Yes, I think that’s the bottom line. I think that’s what we’re looking for.”
Commissioner Potter said “And I want to know what kind of discussion was held with Campion as to when Campion may use you for this issue.”
Commissioner Telman thought that would be part of the policy.
Commissioner Zordan said “Wasn’t it if they weren’t available to respond immediately?”
Commissioner Telman reiterated that it would be part of the policy.
Commissioner Potter asked if it would be part of Campion’s policy.
Commissioner Telman said he was assuming and hoping that Chief Field would confer with Campion to write up the policy.
Commissioner Potter didn’t want Campion calling up the Fire Department for somebody that fell on the sidewalk and scraped a kneecap because their ambulances were tied up with something else.
VOTE TO TABLE #620
Commissioner Telman made a motion to table the matter.
For clarification purposes, Chief Field asked the board if they wanted a policy from Campion.
Commissioner Potter said he was curious as to how Campion was going to fit the Fire Department into this whole thing. He said “If Campion is tied up on the other end of town, say at the Hospital, and you get a call from a cardiac on Newfield Road, and they know the north end could get there quicker, is that what they’re going to do?”
Commissioner Zordan suggested inviting Fred Rosa to the next meeting to explain their end of it.
Commissioner Potter said he was curious as to whether they were going to establish some kind of policy themselves.
Commissioner Potter seconded the motion to table the matter. Unanimous.
STATEWIDE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN #680
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Telman, the board, after a brief discussion, voted unanimously to accept the Torrington Fire Department’s involvement in the State-Wide Emergency Response Plan.
During discussion, Chief Field gave a brief overview of the plan. He stated that the Connecticut Fire Services had established this mutual aid agreement to accommodate the needs of departments when they are called to an incident that is outside their normal capacity. It would also possibly allow the of receiving federal funding.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #800
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Telman, the board voted unanimously on the request for an Executive Session, Fire Department under Personnel, to be held at the end of the meeting.
BUSINESS: DEPARTMENT HEADS #810
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Chief Janelle noted that the effective date of retirement for Officer Gerald Mosley was Sunday, October 13, 2002.
Chief Field noted that Local 1567 will be serving chili during the upcoming motorcycle rally.
Brian Cornell, Fire Chief for the Torringford Volunteer Fire Department, noted that the annual ball would be held in November.
He stated that they had a successful food drive for FISH.
He reported that the new turnout gear had arrived.
He stated that Brian Lastra, the Tax Assessor, has developed a form for the volunteers to use in regard to their new tax abatement. It would be reviewed by the other two volunteer departments.
Mr. Cornell stated that his department’s, Board of Commissioners, was scheduled to meet tomorrow evening and was hoping to be able to tell them when, in 2003, the rotation pumper would be received. He said, “I don’t understand how the three volunteer departments in town can be sucked into a plan for a good number of years, none of your guy’s fault here, and the plug is pulled and the thing evaporates into thin air, and now, some actuary is going to tell the chief what vehicles we should have for public safety.”
Commissioner Potter indicated that the actuary would take the inventory of vehicles and project when they would need to be replaced and how much money would need to be set aside to purchase the vehicles. The department heads would still be a part of the plan of vehicle needs and rotation.
Chief Janelle agreed with Chief Cornell, that the actuary would tell them when they needed to replace their vehicles. He noted that he and Chief Field were in on the original plan. It was a plan that was well laid out and one they had lived by for some years.
Commissioner Potter suggested that perhaps Chief Cornell could make his speech before the City Council and ask that their equipment be included in this actuarial.
There was no reason why the volunteers couldn’t be included and be under the same guidelines as the rest of the vehicles in the city and have them be part of this actuarial report.
Commissioner Telman said they should be included because they’ve been part of the plan since its inception. To take them out of the plan at this time would be a huge injustice to the volunteers.
Councilor Soliani thought they should wait for the actuarial report before attacking a report that hadn’t been received.
Comptroller Alice Proulx stated that department heads will be involved in the Vehicle Replacement Policy and the volunteers will have the ability to discuss their needs. No one was going to be eliminated. Documentation will be sent to each department head giving them the ability to request whatever equipment they wanted within that Vehicle Replacement Policy. She didn’t feel it was fair to attack the policy or the people who were changing it at this time. A committee had been established and Commissioner Potter was a member.
Commissioner Potter said he didn’t know whether he was part of the committee or not. He noted that he, one City Council member and one Board of Finance member were invited to one of the discussions held several weeks ago. It was his understanding that the new policy will make it easier for everyone to understand what they can and can’t do as far as their vehicle replacement account is concerned.
Chief Field said he had spent two months preparing a plan and trying to bring everyone up to speed on what happened from day one and all of a sudden he’s told “don’t worry about it.”
A question was raised about the cost of the actuary. Ms. Proulx stated that the actuary went out to bid. The purpose of the actuary was because they weren’t certain that the numbers being used were accurate and that the city was funding enough for what they were going to need in the future. They were trying to make it more effective by defining the parameters of the policy more precisely and it will be an aid to the departments as well as the city to make certain that it’s funded and monitored the way it should be.
Commissioner Potter said “And, I think the report that you made, even though I haven’t seen it, will clearly document the fact that the volunteers were included in this thing, as far as the Fire Department is concerned, right from the start, and it would help to solidify their place in the policy.”
BUSINESS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1250
Business was presented by Councilor Soliani and members of the Board of Public Safety.
ADD TO AGENDA #1450
Commissioner Telman requested adding an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote in regard to the posting of Alvord Street.
ALVORD STREET #1460
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to add the item to the agenda.
Commissioner Telman made a motion to add however many parking spots that Officer Shopey deemed he could get on the north side of Alvord Street, restricted to thirty minutes. Commissioner Zordan seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Commissioner Cook thanked Officer Shopey for giving him a brief summary of the Accident Investigation Team.
Commissioner Pucino inquired about the policy for taking fire trucks to different locations and whether or not there were restrictions.
Chief Field indicated that firefighters were allowed to stop and get coffee, etc., when they were already out on the road, but not allowed to go out of their way.
She reported seeing Engine #3 getting washed at Burger King by four teenage girls standing on top of the truck.
Chief Field indicated he wasn’t aware of the incident and would address it.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #1560
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Telman, the board voted unanimously to go into an executive session.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CCTC, CMC
CITY CLERK
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by James Potter, seconded by Tom Telman, the board went into open session at 10:40 p.m.
On a motion by Tom Telman, seconded by James Potter, the board adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
ALBERT G. VASKO
Acting Recording Secretary
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