MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
MARCH 19, 2003
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, March 19, 2003, in the Council Chambers. This meeting was held in lieu of the adjourned meeting scheduled for March 12, 2003.
The following were present: Mayor Owen J. Quinn, Jr., Councilor Marie P. Soliani, members of the Board of Public Safety Robert C. Zordan, Thomas T. Telman, Jr., James E. Potter, Carolann Kennedy-Pucino, and Christopher H. Cook, Corporation Counsel Al Vasko, Deputy Police Chief Robert Milano, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Fire Chief John Field, and Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell. Those not in attendance were Commissioner Richard L. Zaharek, Police Chief Roger Janelle, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Aaron Picz, and Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Jason Noad.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Quinn stated he had another engagement to attend and that Councilor Marie Soliani would act in his capacity and chair the meeting. For the record, he asked that the most senior Commissioner chair the meeting should he be detained for any reason in the future.
REQUEST: OFFICER KENNETH DELAND
A brief discussion took place concerning the request from Officer Kenneth DeLand for the city to continue his family’s medical insurance should he be called back to active duty.
Mayor Quinn said it was his recollection that the Board of Public Safety and the City Council had come up with a policy in regard to military leave with an expiration date of six months. It was also his belief that the DeLand family used COBRA instead of the city’s insurance because of the lateness of the matter.
Commissioner Pucino stated that Officer DeLand’s wife had to get insurance from her employer at that time because their doctors were not located in the vicinity for the program offered by the government. She noted that Mrs. DeLand had recently lost her job.
Mayor Quinn noted that any amendment to the policy would have to go back to the boards. Since Officer DeLand had not been called back to duty, it was speculation at this time.
Commissioner Pucino suggested tabling the matter for further review.
Commissioner Potter suggested sending a copy of this memo to the City Council for their information so they could be aware of the situation.
Commissioner Zordan said it was his belief that Officer DeLand’s insurance was terminated the day he left.
Mayor Quinn said, “I think that’s what we said afterward, that we would carry him until such time as either COBRA or some other medical, so, I would think that was again, what the sentiment of everybody was, it was just unfortunate circumstances. And so, I think what we should also do is give him a letter that basically goes back and says the reason why we’re doing that.”
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that the agreements with the Police and Fire Departments last time were negotiated with the unions and suggested getting Atty. Muschell and the Unions involved once again in order to have a policy.
See #1780 for motion to table Officer DeLand’s request.
MINUTES #350
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Telman, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held December 18, 2002.
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held January 8, 2003.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #370
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Brian Soucy, owner of the Burmor Apartments, felt there was no reason to remove parking on Alvord Street.
Officer Shopey noted that he had received numerous complaints regarding vehicles parked on Alvord Street. One such complaint was from a bus company who was unable to get the busses down Alvord Street for three and four-year-old children. He added that the snow made the situation worse.
Officer Shopey also pointed out that the tenants in the thirty units of the Burmor relied on on-street parking, which was not available. Parking had become a burden for the residents who live in the area because parking in front of their homes was continuously being used by Burmor tenants.
The majority of the parking violations in the area were residents of the Burmor who not only parked in violation of the present thirty minutes parking, but parked there all day long and failed to pay their parking tickets while being provided with free parking by the city. There had also been complaints about delivery vehicles abusing the parking.
Officer Shopey’s recommendation was to eliminate the parking in its entirety except for the installation of a loading zone for businesses. He didn’t believe the homeowners would object to a loading zone because they had no parking at this point anyway. The 15 minute loading zones would be on the Eagle’s side of the road, where there is 75 feet from the intersection to the Eagle’s driveway.
Mayor Quinn said he thought residents at the Burmor had made arrangements with the Eagles Club in the past to park in their lot for a minimal fee.
Mr. Soucy said he didn’t think that was an option for his tenants due to unpleasant circumstances between the Eagles and the previous owner of the Burmor. Mr. Soucy was attempting to find and purchase property in the area to provide additional parking but has been unsuccessful to date.
Mr. Soucy said he didn’t object to Mr. Driscoll’s recent request to move the parking from his side of the road to the opposite side. He noticed that fire trucks have no problem maneuvering Alvord Street with vehicles parked on one side of the road. He suggested removing the snow banks to create a wider street.
Chief Field stated that Alvord and George Streets were found to be too narrow for their apparatus during their evaluation of streets. The pumpers have no problem when there is no snow. However, the ladder truck is an issue especially around the sharp corner.
Mike Driscoll, 26 Alvord Street, asked that the letter from the bus company be made part of the minutes. (Attached to the minutes.) He noted that Deputy Chief Milano had once called the Alvord Street parking situation “appalling,” and pointed out that several vehicles owned by Burmor residents were registered out of state. He asked the board to consider this matter a safety issue.
Mr. Soucy noted that people would park there whether parking was permitted or not.
Officer Shopey said he was correct. Twenty-seven parking tickets had been issued on Alvord Street since January 1.
For more information, please refer to #1190
On behalf of Ralph Monschiene, Chairman of the Torringford Volunteer Fire Department, Brian Cornell spoke in regard to the Fire Services Coordination Committee. He noted that the committee was established in 1994 at the request of Mayor Donne and comprising members of each of the three volunteer departments in the City, the career department, and members of the Board of Public Safety.
The committee had been used as a clearing house on issues, had improved relationships with the career department and among the three departments and tried to look at fire services as a whole rather than four separate entities. Their mission statements, endorsed by the Board of Public Safety, included such things as a clearing house for complaints, improved relationships between the fire services of Torrington and established a plan for the purpose and placement of fire apparatus in the city. The committee has shared information and made joint purchases. The city has provided each department with a $25,000.00 stipend on a yearly basis.
Chief Cornell indicated that the committee had been working during the past couple of years on the third objective, to develop a way to further assess the volunteer departments in apparatus. The Board of Safety was deeply involved and supportive in those plans. As a matter of fact, four current members and two previous members of the board have participated in Fire Services Coordination Committee discussions concerning the volunteer’s fire apparatus plan, and the committee had always included the volunteers. Chief Johnson had begun to put together a draft of what an agreement would look like if the city was to purchase a vehicle, rotate it through the career department and at some given time, rotate it out on a loan basis to a volunteer department. Recent events have suggested that
perhaps the volunteers’ participation in the replacement program no longer exists. The replacement of vehicles is cost prohibitive for the volunteers. They are concerned that it is getting out of their reach to perform fund raisers and provide services for the city without some kind of assistance from the city.
On behalf of the Fire Services Coordination Committee, Chief Cornell asked the board to add to the agenda an item to include the volunteer fire department in the apparatus replacement program for the City of Torrington and that it be forwarded to the City Council for further action.
#1190 ALVORD STREET
For the record, Mr. Driscoll noted that Councilor Dalla Valle had requested that Commissioner Telman add an item to October’s Board of Safety agenda that parking on the north side of Alvord Street be reinstituted to thirty minutes.
Commissioner Telman indicated that he was obligated as an elected member of the board to bring a Councilman’s request to the full board.
On behalf of Chief Janelle, Deputy Chief Milano stated that it was the Chief’s position to support the Traffic Unit’s recommendation.
The public portion was closed.
VOTE TO MOVE TO #14 ALVORD STREET
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to move #14. (Vote to accept the Traffic Officer’s recommendation that Alvord Street, from its intersection with Main Street to its intersection with George Street be posted as “No Parking” on both the north and south edge.)
During further discussion, Commissioner Telman said he understood that parking was at a premium. He suggested banning the parking during the winter months, and allowing the parking during the remainder of the year.
Officer Shopey indicated that a parking ban during the winter would mean installing signs and taking them down every year. Marking the signs to specify the period of time of the ban would be difficult because the signs measured only 12 x 18. An affirmative vote by the board to allow a parking ban would eliminate the ability to have the loading zone because it would narrow the street too much and the fire trucks wouldn’t be able to make the swing.
Commissioner Zordan inquired whether the vehicles parked in violation of the signs could be towed away.
Officer Shopey indicated that cars causing a traffic hazzard could be towed. He stated
that there should be no parking on Alvord during the winter months because snow was the biggest issue, however, the street could basically support parking the way it presently exists during the remainder of the year. Officer Shopey’s preference was to allow for the loading zone.
Deputy Chief Milano said it was easier from an enforcement standpoint to have a consistent approach, even though seasons repeat themselves every year, it’s still something that has to be reassessed and re acclimated. He was concerned that a mishap could occur during the lag time between the time the parking ban would start and the time that warning slips and tickets were given and people complied.
Officer Shopey recommended eliminating all on-street parking and installing a loading zone on the south edge of the roadway next to the Eagle’s Club for the distance of fifty feet, twenty-five feet from the corner.
Commissioner Pucino made a motion to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation. Commissioner Cook seconded the motion. The board voted 4-1 in favor of the motion, with Commissioner Telman opposing. The motion carried.
REQUEST FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION #1740
Deputy Police Chief Milano advised Mayor Quinn before he left that he would ask the board to add an executive session to the Agenda by 2/3rds vote under security.
Councillor Soliani chaired the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
ACCEPT ANTHONY PIETRAFESA: POLICE DEPARTMENT #1760
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Telman, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Anthony Pietrafesa as a regular member of the Torrington Police Department, effective March 18, 2003, after completing his probationary status.
REQUEST FROM OFFICER KENNETH DELAND #1780
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to table the request from Officer Kenneth DeLand for the City to continue his family’s medical insurance should he be called back to active duty.
PATROL DIVISION REPORTS #1790
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Patrol Division Reports for January and February 2003.
SUPPORT SERVICES REPORTS #1800
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Telman, the board voted unanimously to accept the Support Services Reports for January and February 2003
INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES REPORTS #1810
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Investigative Services Reports for January and February 2003.
TRAFFIC UNIT REPORTS #1820
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Unit Reports for January and February 2003.
3 ON 3 BASKETBALL #1840
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Officer’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to allow the Park & Recreation Department to hold their annual 3 on 3 Basketball on Main Street between Mason Street and Water Street between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on August 10, 2003.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE #1860
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Officer’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission for the annual Memorial Day parade to be held on Monday, May 26, 2003 beginning at 9:30 a.m. with roadway closures beginning at 9:00 a.m.
CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION WALK #1890
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Officer’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Walk scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2003 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
MARCH OF DIMES WALKAMERICA #1900
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Officer’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission for the annual March of Dimes WalkAmerica scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2003 beginning at 9:00 a.m.
T.H.S. COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE #1910
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Officer’s recommendation to seek the necessary permits from the State Traffic Commission to allow Torrington High School to hold their commencement exercise on Sunday, June 15, 2003 at the Warner Theater and that Main Street be closed between Water Street and Maiden Lane between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and again between the approximate hours of 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
CCM CONTRACT FOR PARKING VIOLATIONS #1950
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, a discussion took place in regard to the Traffic Officer’s recommendation that the city pursue a contract through CCM and allow their contractor to begin pursuing parking violators to collect the outstanding debts, noting that further recommendations will be submitted regarding future changes to allow for a more aggressive collection process prior to using the revenue collection agency.
Officer Shopey noted that several attempts for the city to collect the $221,000.00 owed in parking revenue had not been very successful in the past. Those included collection agencies who claimed to have software problems, and city ordinances enacted which were almost impossible to enforce. CCM had recently offered a new collection process with a full time person dedicated to managing this collection service. The fee for the service is 20% and Officer Shopey’s recommendation was to allow CCM to pass the fee on to the person they are collecting from. Officer Shopey indicated that he was interested in purchasing tire boots at a minimal cost. He felt they may be successful in some cases. Under the city ordinance, the Police Department has the ability to seize and tow
cars if they have more than five tickets or $100.00 worth of fines. Unfortunately, there’s a problem with who will tow and store the vehicles for the Police Department. He was looking to see if it would be viable to contract a specific wrecker company to tow, seize and store the vehicles for the city. Those costs would be passed on to the owner of the vehicle.
Officer Shopey explained that, eventually, the goal for the Motor Vehicle Department will be for cities to download through the Internet the names of people who don’t pay their tickets. Those people would be unable to register their cars. Unfortunately, state budget cuts has hampered this program. He is also reviewing an amnesty program.
Officer Shopey noted also that they were looking into accepting payments through Visa and MasterCard.
MOTION #2200
Commissioner Telman made a motion to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation that the city pursue a contract through CCM and allow their contractor to begin pursuing parking violators to collect the outstanding debts, noting that further recommendations will be submitted regarding future changes to allow for a more aggressive collection process prior to using the revenue collection agency. Commissioner Potter seconded the motion. Unanimous.
VOLKMAN LANE #2280
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Potter, a discussion took place in regard to the Traffic Officer’s recommendation that Volkman Lane be changed from “No Through Traffic” onto East Main Street to “One Way” traffic from East Main Street to Franklin Street and that Volkman Lane be posted as “No Parking” on both the east and west edge of the roadway.
Officer Shopey indicated that delivery trucks parked on Volkman Lane were blocking the roadway to traffic and causing problems.
Commissioner Telman suggested extending the loading zone located behind Reibman’s going east and staying away from the intersection.
Commissioner Potter said delivery trucks had to park their trucks somewhere to make their deliveries. Parking on Franklin would be a great distance to some of those businesses.
Commissioner Telman made a motion to extend the loading zone behind Reibman’s to a distance seen fit by the Traffic Officer toward Maher’s property.
Officer Shopey indicated that it was only one way from the back of the buildings to East Main. He was asking to make the entire street one way.
AMEND MOTION
Commissioner Telman amended his motion to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation that Volkman Lane be changed from “No Through Traffic” onto East Main Street to “One Way” traffic from East Main Street to Franklin Street and that Volkman Lane be posted as “No Parking” on both the east and west edge of the roadway, and extending the loading zone located behind Reibman’s to a distance seen fit by the Traffic Officer toward Maher’s property.
The board agreed to let Councilman Dalla Valle speak on the matter.
Councilman Dalla Valle indicated that a delivery truck could enter Volkman Lane from East Main Street and park on the side, near Bacci’s building, leaving enough room for cars to pass. He suggested approving the “One Way,” but eliminating the “No Parking” portion of the motion.
AMEND MOTION #3010
Commissioner Telman amended his motion once again to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation that Volkman Lane be changed from “No Through Traffic” onto East Main Street to “One Way” traffic from East Main Street to Franklin Street, however, Volkman Lane would be posted as “No Parking” only on the west side of the roadway. His motion also would allow the extension of the loading zone located on Franklin Street behind Reibman’s to a distance seen fit by the Traffic Officer toward Maher’s property. Commissioner Potter seconded the motion. Unanimous.
ST. PETER’S SCHOOL #3030
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, discussion took place concerning the letter from St. Peter’s School Board dated 2/21/2003.
After a brief discussion, Officer Shopey indicated that the city could do nothing further to resolve this matter. No vote was taken.
TRAFFIC UNIT #3320
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s memo in regard to notable issues that occurred in the Traffic Unit during the month of February 2003.
POLICE UNIFORM BID #3330
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council that they approve the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to award the Police Uniforms Bid to the low bidder and current supplier, New England Uniforms of Danbury, Ct.
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT #3410
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s reports for January and February 2003.
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT #3420
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s reports for January and February 2003.
FIRE MARSHAL & TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORTS #3440
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal’s and Training Officer’s reports for January and February 2003.
INCIDENT REPORTS #3460
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Reports for January and February 2003.
SUPPLEMENTAL FIRST RESPONDER #3480
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, discussion took place in regard to the request to authorize Mayor Quinn to sign the application for the Supplemental First Responder for the Torrington Fire Department. (Tabled 8/14/02, 10/9/02, 11/13/02, & 12/18/02.)
Chief Field said he felt the Fire Department had met all the obligations the Commissioners had set forth for them and were ready to sign the document.
Commissioner Potter made a motion to authorize Mayor Quinn to sign the application for the Supplemental First Responder for the Torrington Fire Department. Commissioner Telman seconded the motion. Unanimous.
NEC TELEPHONE SYSTEM BID #3540
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council that they approve the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to award the bid for the NEC Electra Elite Telephone System for the Fire Department to the low bidder, NECC of Rocky Hill, Ct. Unanimous
Under discussion, Chief Field noted that they reviewed only the three bids that came in under the amount of funds available. He stated that the system being recommended would be compatible with any system installed in city hall in the future.
BUS: DEPARTMENT HEADS #3650
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Deputy Police Chief Milano requested adding an executive session to the agenda by 2/3rds vote under security.
ADD TO THE AGENDA #3680
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to add an executive session to the agenda under security, to be held at the end of the regular meeting, and invited Chief Field to attend.
Chief Cornell inquired whether the time for the Board of Public Safety meetings would be changed permanently to 6:30 p.m., noting that it would be difficult for him to attend at that time. (It was determined that this matter should be discussed when Mayor Quinn is present to make certain that any change would suit his schedule.)
Chief Cornell informed the board that it had been a horrible winter in terms of getting their driveway plowed. He noted that having their driveway plowed by the city was part of an agreement they had with the city.
Chief Cornell stated that he inquired in December whether Torringford would be entitled to purchase a used cruiser from the city for $1.00. He expressed his disappointment in not having received the courtesy of a call. As a result, Torringford had included a vehicle in their budget.
Chief Cornell asked to be informed as to when the volunteer’s request for funds would be discussed with the City Council so they could attend the meeting.
BUSINESS: MAYOR AND MEMBERS #110
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the Board of Public Safety.
The Commissioners thanked the Police Chief and Deputy Chief for introducing the board to their simulator and for inviting them to the Awards Banquet.
ADD TO THE AGENDA #170
Commissioner Potter made a motion to add an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote in order to discuss the vehicle replacement program. Commissioner Telman seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Commissioner Potter said the board needed to know where the vehicle replacement account stood in terms of the volunteers as well as the career department. It was his belief that the board had budgeted $310,000.00 to date toward apparatus replacement with the intent of purchasing another vehicle during the current fiscal year. He noted that the purchase of the pumper from state surplus funds several years ago had put the plan out of shape. Commissioner Potter believed they needed to have a firm vehicle replacement plan in place for the Fire Department and that a discussion should be held prior to the end of the budget season as to where the volunteers fit into this plan. They also needed something concrete so they could make their plea to the City Council to implement the plan.
His number one goal was to replace Rescue 8 because he felt it wasn’t road worthy at this time. He also felt they needed to fit the volunteers into the scheme of things since they were included in the original plan. The $310,000.00 should to take care of the Rescue, and help the volunteers with their predicaments.
Commissioner Potter asked Chief Field to put together a replacement plan as quickly as possible for his department so the board could vote on it during their next budget meeting.
Chief Field pointed out that Commissioner Potter was well aware that a committee had been formed to establish the apparatus replacement policy and procedure.
As a member of the committee, Commissioner Potter indicated that the committee was created to prepare an actuarial to determine the dollar amount that would be needed on an annual basis rather than to determine when the vehicles were going to be replaced.
Chief Field noted that information had been relayed to the apparatus replacement committee and it would be quite simple to do.
Commissioner Potter said he knew Chief Field had submitted the life expectancy of the vehicles, however, the life expectancy of a vehicle and the replacement time frame of it could be quite different.
Councilor Soliani asked for clarification. Commissioner Potter stated that the plan supposedly didn’t exist because they never voted on it. Each department had their own plan and each plan was voted upon individually by the department responsible for it. The original plan allowed for the volunteers to start getting a vehicle in 2006.
Commissioner Pucino indicated that they weren’t trying to go against anyone else’s plans, but merely wanted a plan in order to know what they would need.
Commissioner Telman thought they needed a plan in order to do an actuarial.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that there was a plan. However, it didn’t include the Rescue vehicle and other items that the board wanted.
Commissioner Potter said it was important for them as a board to provide the Police and Fire Departments with the equipment that they need. He stated that he would probably be chastised for bringing this matter up because there’s already a vehicle replacement committee taking care of the matter.
Commissioner Zordan said he couldn’t imagine that they would be deciding what and when the vehicles would be purchased, but rather, how to save money.
Chief Field indicated that Mr. Michaud, the Equipment Maintenance Supervisor, was overseeing the committee to determine when vehicles should be replaced. He was also working with department heads to create a policy. That’s what this committee has done. Mr. Michaud would not dictate which vehicles were needed by the departments, but merely make recommendations on matters such as life expectancy, horsepower capacity, etc.
Commissioner Zordan stated that Chief Field should decide what equipment he needed.
Chief Field said “Correct. That’s not a problem, but when you get into when you need it and all that kind of stuff, he’s the one that has developed a plan already. There’s already a plan out there, and equipment maintenance has supplied these plans, and it’s too bad the Mayor is not here because the Mayor has seen those plans.”
Commissioner Telman indicated that there had been talk, month after month, but the board needed to see something concrete.
Chief Field said it wasn’t fair to him that he was being put in the middle once again.
Commissioner Potter suggested that perhaps they could discuss the apparatus replacement line item with the City Council during their joint meeting on the budget.
In the meantime, Commissioners Telman and Pucino asked for “something”, even if it was preliminary, in terms of what Chief Field was looking for.
Councilor Soliani suggested that the board discuss this matter when Mayor Quinn is present. She thought it might be beneficial for everyone concerned to meet and discuss the vehicle replacement account.
Commissioner Pucino suggested having the committee meet with the Board of Public Safety so they could get some direction from them.
Commissioner Potter said the real issue was that the board knew the volunteers had been a part of the plan since its inception in 1998, and he wanted to make certain that they would still be included in discussions concerning the vehicle replacement and how the board would be willing to help them.
Ralph Monschiene, Chairman of the Fire Service Coordination Committee and Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for Torringford, indicated that everyone had worked very hard and didn’t want to lose sight of their progress. The committee felt strongly that the volunteers were part of the service and they didn’t want to be forgotten. If the volunteers were to be included, he asked this board to endorse the fact that they would be included in any apparatus replacement scheme for the future. If the volunteers were not going to be included, they would need to know because it would be a severe blow to the departments.
Commissioner Telman said it was his belief that the entire board had been committed to this point. Now that it was in limbo and he didn’t know what the end result would be except that he felt the board would remain committed.
Mr. Monschiene said he hoped to see this board solidly behind the fact that the volunteers should be included in any vehicle replacement scheme the city might have.
Commissioner Potter thought they should discuss this with Mayor Quinn during their meeting next week and vote to include it as part of the actuarial.
Councilor Soliani said it was her understanding that the Actuarial Committee was set up only to see whether or not the City of Torrington was budgeting enough money for the vehicle replacement plan and that they didn’t have the authority to say what was going to be purchased.
Chief Field stated that the Apparatus Replacement Committee was set forth to establish policy on how the vehicle replacement plan was going to work.
Commissioner Potter stated that the rescue vehicle had become a big bone of contention for some reason and it needed to be cleared up.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #940
The board went into an executive session under security.
On a motion by Tom Telman, seconded by Carolann Kennedy-Pucino, the board went into an open session at 8:58 p.m.
On a motion by Tom Telman, seconded by James Potter, the board adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
| 
