MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
APRIL 9, 2003
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, April 9, 2003, in the Council Chambers.
In attendance were Mayor Owen J. Quinn, Jr., members of the Board of Public Safety, Richard L. Zaharek, 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, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, and Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell. Absent was Commissioner Robert C. Zordan.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 6:55 p.m. immediately following a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Police and Firemens’ Pension fund scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
MINUTES #600
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held March 19, 2003.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #610
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Telman, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
City Councilor David Bascetta, spoke against the recent change in traffic signs installed on Volkman Lane, and explained that he was approached by a business owner in the area, who stated the one-way designation off of East Main Street would affect his parking lot, and the parking in the back of his restaurant. He believed the “No Through Traffic” sign would be adequate to keep traffic from exiting Volkman Lane onto East Main Street and was requesting the board not to make a change from what it had been in the past.
Officer Shopey said it was very confusing to have a two-way street that turned one-way, half way through it. He pointed out that the road’s width of sixteen feet created a safety issue, and that the city would be accepting the liability if the sign was put back the way it was. He wasn’t opposed to making it a two-way street, however, if the board decided to do so, it should be posted “No Parking” on both sides, which would apply to delivery vehicles as well. He noted that this would not be acceptable to the businesses in the area because it would be too far to deliver goods from Franklin Street. The owner of Tommy’s Bicycle Shop, was receptive to having Volkman Lane a one-way road, if the board would change last month’s decision to post the east side of it as a
parking area, and eliminate the parking on the west side. If it was going to remain one-way, they would ask the board to change it from a parking area to a fifteen minute loading area. That suggestion was more acceptable to the owners of Tommy’s and Bachi’s than having two-way traffic and eliminating the parking.
Officer Shopey stated that Volkman Lane did not support two-way traffic and parking. His recommendation was to eliminate parking on both sides if two-way traffic was allowed. Because Tommy’s and Bachi’s opposed his recommendation, Officer Shopey would support one-way traffic with a loading zone.
Officer Shopey indicated that Dick’s Restaurant was planning to eliminate one of his entrances on Franklin Street. The only issue with Dick’s having access from Volkman Lane was that: If his Franklin Street driveway was closed as he planned, it would be inconvenient for his customers to use Volkman Lane from East Main. Officer Shopey felt the board should look at safety before inconvenience.
Commissioner Zaharek inquired whether there was any special sign that could be used to eliminate any liability.
Officer Shopey indicated that a special sign wouldn’t eliminate the problem from the building portion to Franklin Street.
Commissioner Potter said, it was his belief that the issue when the board discussed it last month was delivery vehicles blocking the roadway, and suggested leaving it the way it was originally and installing a loading zone.
Commissioner Telman also thought it should go back to the way it was (two-way going in and out onto Franklin, and one-way from East Main Street). Additionally, they should install signs and add a loading zone.
Commissioner Cook expressed his concern over children going in and out of the dance school in the area.
Officer Shopey indicated that he would follow whatever order he was given, however, the board would be accepting the liability for the city should they decide to go back to the original way.
MOTION #1130
Commissioner Telman made a motion to go back to two-way traffic on Volkman Lane with more prominent signs indicating that there was no exit onto East Main Street, and installing a loading zone wherever Officer Shopey deemed it should be.
Officer Shopey indicated that he would still like to extend the loading zone on Franklin Street discussed at last month’s meeting.
Commissioner Cook said he had to put his trust in Officer Shopey since he felt Officer Shopey had the city’s best interest in mind. Commissioner Telman concurred.
Commissioner Potter seconded the motion. Unanimous.
PATROL DIVISION REPORT #1250
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Telman, the board voted unanimously to accept the Patrol Division Report for March 2003.
SUPPORT SERVICES REPORT #1300
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Support Services Report for March 2003.
INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES REPORT #1320
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Investigative Services Report for March 2003.
TRAFFIC UNIT REPORT #1340
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Unit Report for March 2003.
CT. MOTORCYCLE TOURS MOTORCYCLE SHOW #1350 (TABLED)
Acting upon Officer Shopey’s request, Commissioner Telman made a motion to table the recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to close Main Street from Water Street to Church Street, on Sunday, August 10, 2003 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the annual Connecticut Motorcycle Tours Motorcycle Show. Commissioner Cook seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Commissioner Pucino asked Officer Shopey to keep the entrance to the St. Francis parking lot in mind when scheduling the event.
FOUNDATION FOR GIVING TEEN FEST #1450
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Officer’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to close Main Street from Maiden Lane to Water Street on Sunday, May 18, 2003 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the Torrington Foundation for Giving Teen Fest.
DARE CAR SHOW #1480
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Officer’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to close Main Street from Pearl Street to Water Street and to close all side streets leading to Prospect Street, on Friday, August 8, 2003 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for the annual DARE Car Show.
EAST ELM STREET #1500
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, a discussion took place on Officer Shopey’s recommendation to seek permission from the State Traffic Commission to install a “No Left Turn” sign for eastbound traffic on East Main Street at the intersection of East Elm Street.
Commissioners Zaharek and Telman voted in favor of the motion. Commissioners Potter, Pucino and Cook opposed the motion. On a 2-3 vote, the motion failed.
HAYDEN HILL ROAD #1580
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Officer’s recommendation to seek permission from the State Traffic Commission to install a “25 MPH” speed limit sign on Hayden Hill Road for both directions of travel.
SERGEANT’S VACANCY #1590
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to administer the Sergeant’s exam and fill a Sergeant’s position in the Police Department.
FRANCIS BALZANO #1750
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Telman, the board voted unanimously to promote Francis Balzano to Lieutenant permanently.
SECTION B #1800
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Telman, the board voted unanimously to consider business in Section B.
PATRIC BERARDINELLI #1820
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to promote Patric Berardinelli to Sergeant permanently.
TORRINGTON FORD #1840
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s request for an additional payment of $1,500.00 to Torrington Ford for the purchase of three cruisers ($500.00 each) to cover their clerical error and referred it to the City Council.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #1860
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s report for March 2003.
Chief Field indicated that the concept of the Regional Hazardous Material Response Team was not to place the burden on any particular agency for that type of coverage, but rather to share that responsibility with all the towns involved. They were looking for, either financial or personnel commitment from each town, to formulate a separate hazardous material team with its own function and its own equipment. Torrington would become part of that regional concept.
DEPUTY CHIEF’S REPORT #1980
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s report for March 2003.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo stated that repairs to the radio system were ongoing. The repeater on West Pearl Road was intermittent and would need to be replaced in the near future. Funds are in next year’s budget to do so.
FIRE MARSHAL & TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT #2030
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal’s and Training Officer’s report for March 2003.
INCIDENT REPORT #2050
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for March 2003.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #2060
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief, Brian Cornell, stated that their annual pancake breakfast would be held on Sunday, May 18, and they would be participating with the Lions Club’s World of Wheels at the WalMart Plaza on May 31.
Chief Cornell stated that he attended a meeting with Chief Field held by the Regional Hazardous Material Response Team and thought it was an interesting concept. He had the name of a person who was interested in having further discussions on this matter.
Chief Cornell informed the board that Torringford had two more firefighters who were about to complete their Black Helmet requirements.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #2220
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Potter requested adding a discussion/vote to the Agenda by 2/3rds vote in regard to transferring funds into a volunteer vehicle apparatus account.
ADD TO THE AGENDA #2240
Commissioner Potter made the motion to add the item to the agenda. Commissioner Telman seconded the motion. Unanimous.
RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL TO TRANSFER FUNDS #2320
Commissioner Potter made a motion to request that the City Council transfer up to $100,000.00 from line item 5351-3, Fire Department’s Apparatus Account, to line item 5453-2, Major Equipment on the Volunteer, General Fund side, and rename it Apparatus Replacement. It will assist the volunteer fire service with vehicle replacement and require them to sign an agreement to return the vehicle to the city in good operating condition in the event they no longer have a need for this vehicle before the end of its pre-determined life expectancy, and that the City Council budget annually, beginning in budget year 2004-05 a sum that would total an additional $200,000.00 by the year 2010. ($100,000.00 per department = total of $300,000.00.) Commissioner Potter felt this would protect the city’s
investment.
Commissioner Telman seconded the motion.
During the discussion, Chief Field noted that the total amount in the Fire Department Apparatus Account that had accumulated over the years was a little more than $300,000.00.
Mayor Quinn asked Chief Field if the motion would have an effect on his budget and the operation of the city’s Fire Department.
Chief Field said it wouldn’t affect his budget because the funds would be taken from a line item that was already established. In terms of the operation of his department, Chief Field noted that the volunteers were originally part of the plan and that a pumper was supposed to have been purchased this year. The future purchase of the rescue truck may be affected.
Mayor Quinn said it was his belief that a commitment of up to $300,000.00 to the
year 2010 to the volunteers would have a negative effect on the paid fire
department’s future needs.
Chief Field said that was a possibility.
Mayor Quinn’s fear was that other boards might interpret the $100,000.00 as an unnecessary expense at this time. Would this board be sending the wrong message to two boards who were looking for ways to cut the budget?
Mayor Quinn realized that the volunteers needed answers, but asked the Board of Safety if they wouldn’t rather continue discussing the matter with the Vehicle Replacement Committee and the Apparatus Committee than take the chance in having it misinterpreted by the boards.
Commissioner Telman indicated that he wasn’t terribly fearful of sending the wrong message because they had originally committed to buying nine pumpers at $250,000.00 each, and giving the volunteers a two or a three-year-old pumper at no cost to them. If the volunteers weren’t included in the original plan, they wouldn’t have been funding $185,000.00 each year and wouldn’t have $300,000.00 in vehicle replacement today.
He agreed with Mayor Quinn that it might be a bit more prudent to sit back and wait but wondered how much longer they would have to do so.
Mayor Quinn said he understood everyone’s frustrations. Even though people had been brought together, no bid had come about for the actuarial and he was unable to furnish them with a definite time frame.
Commissioner Potter said he thought reconvening the Vehicle Replacement Committee would be a waste of time since they already had a plan in place. He felt it was the right time to make this request for the following reasons: 1) because they had been funding a line item to support the volunteer system in a vehicle replacement plan; 2) the only reason the vehicle replacement plan would be short funded at this time was because it was cut during the last budget process; 3) because they were attempting to do an actuarial to know how much to fund vehicle replacement citywide; and 4) because they were in the middle of the budget process. Commissioner Potter felt this recommendation should move forward to the City Council so they could make the decision.
For the record, Deputy Chief Giampaolo indicated that he supported Torringford. He stated that the career department had come close to going out to bid for a rescue truck last July, however, that request had not yet been met. His position, as well as the Chief’s, was that they needed to take care of the city side before looking at the volunteers.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo felt the board was premature in approving a request when there was already one on the table that hadn’t been acted on. His people were waiting to hear what the prognosis was on the rescue vehicle, something they desperately needed. What chance of seeing the rescue truck would they have if $100,000.00 was taken out?
Chief Field agreed with the deputy. Their request for a rescue was made over a year ago and they still hadn’t received an answer.
Commissioner Pucino suggested meeting with the actuarial committee in order to get a clearer picture.
Mayor Quinn said he didn’t have a problem with the motion and he wasn’t opposed to the Apparatus Committee’s desire to roll out. His concern was how to fund it in a fair manner in very difficult times. He expressed his concern over the possibility that the board could lose more than what they could gain.
Chief Field noted, for the record, that he had developed numerous plans and he was not responsible for them not reaching this board.
VOTE #3500
Commissioners Potter and Zaharek voted in favor of the motion. Commissioners Telman, Pucino and Cook opposed the motion. On a 2-3 vote, the motion failed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #3530
Mayor Quinn left the meeting to attend a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.
Commissioner Pucino took over as chair.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to go into an Executive Session under Personnel, Police Department, at 8:05 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Thomas Telman, seconded by James Potter, the board went into an open session at 8:28 p.m.
On a motion by Thomas Telman, seconded by Carolann Kennedy-Pucino, the board authorized the Police Department to make a conditional job offer to a candidate pending satisfactory background and medical checks.
On a motion by Thomas Telman, seconded by James Potter, the board adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Albert G. Vasko
Acting Recording Secretary
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