MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
MAY 14, 2003
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, May 14, 2003, in the Council Chambers.
Attending were the following: Mayor Owen J. Quinn, Jr., Board of Public Safety members, Richard L. Zaharek, 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, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell, and Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Jason Noad.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.
MINUTES #020
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held April 9, 2003.
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the special meeting held April 21, 2003.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #040
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Telman, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Richard Erickson, 57 Bird Street, indicated that his neighborhood, located between the two high schools, was having a persistent problem with speeding and reckless driving.
He noted that police presence had been installed in the morning and afternoon hours when students report to and from school, however, the neighbors were looking for a more permanent solution to the problem. In addition to speeding, the neighborhood had to deal with parking on Amherst St., trash, etc., and the matter had become a quality of life issue. He presented photos of his neighbor’s car which was totaled by an SUV driven by a student of one of the high schools. The vehicle was parked just a few feet from his driveway where his children play.
Ann Vanoni, 80 Joseph Street, stated that the police had been very cooperative, however students merely warned other students of their presence. She said her vehicle was hit four or five times during the past two years, and agreed with Mr. Erickson that something had to be done. She added that Oliver Tech. was a state school and the city was suffering the consequences.
Timothy Lundgren, 85 Bird Street, stated that cars had actually been driven across his lawn. Because he works at home he is able to watch all hell break loose at 2 p.m. every day. His solution was to close Amherst St. at 2 p.m. daily.
Connie Erickson, 57 Bird Street, stated that she is unable to walk with her son between the hours of 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. because of reckless driving.
Keith Stewart, 75 Bird Street, stated that the problem was worse in the winter because the snow isn’t pushed back far enough. He stated that trash was being thrown on people’s lawns and in the wooded area, and their trash cans were being knocked over.
Peter Kaye, 65 Bird Street, noted that there was no speed limit on Bird Street.
Maryann Bequillard, 65 Joseph Street, reported that kids had made a habit of skidding in the sand at the turn around at the end of her street. Her life now revolved around leaving her house or returning home before 2:00 or after 2:00 p.m. because of the situation.
Arthur Barger, 72 Joseph Street, agreed with previous speakers.
Commissioner Pucino inquired whether the students were mostly from Torrington High or Oliver Wolcott, the residents said “Oliver Wolcott.” They agreed, however, that Mr. Cushman, from Oliver Wolcott, had been very cooperative.
Paul Cappellina, 68 Bird Street, stated that the state didn’t allow for enough parking when they built Oliver Wolcott. He stated that the situation almost comes to a standstill when the police are present.
Deputy Chief Milano indicated that the neighborhood had a mix of seniors, young people and children and the situation was causing the Police Department a lot of concern. It was his belief that the quality of life had been affected in that area, and that the matter had reached the critical stage. He proposed that the Police Department work on a short term solution until the end of the school year and spend the summer working with the neighbors and the school to find a permanent solution for the fall. Patrols would be kept up until the end of the school year and enforcement would take place where warranted. He proposed getting a group of people together to work on the matter.
Commissioner Potter pointed out that an agreement had been reached several years ago with Wolcott Tech to have their students park in the high school’s lower parking lot and the school was to install a gate so the students could walk through the athletic field. That never occurred.
It was noted that Mr. Cushman had hired a bus to transfer the students from the parking lot to the school, but that ended soon after the students’ cars started being vandalized. It wasn’t right for Torrington taxpayers to put up with nonsense from a state school.
Keith Stewart suggested that perhaps the principal could remove parking privileges for those who didn’t behave in a decent manner.
Mayor Quinn stated that the Police Department would beef up their patrol for an immediate remedy and work on long term solutions during the summer months. The neighbors agreed to meet with Deputy Chief Milano and will provide him with a list of their names and phone numbers.
PATROL & SUPPORT REPORTS #700
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Patrol Division & Support Services Report for April 2003.
INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES REPORT #710
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Investigative Services Report for April 2003.
RESIGNATION: OFFICER WILLIAM CARRILLO #720
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept the letter of resignation from Officer William Carrillo, effective April 23, 2003.
Deputy Chief Milano informed the board that three police officers were within weeks of finishing their FTO and would be going on their own, and that an accelerated FTO Program for a certified officer had just begun. Two more individuals were waiting, one of which was sent to the academy.
TRAFFIC UNIT REPORT #810
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Unit Report for April 2003.
CT. MOTORCYCLE TOURS #820
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Telman, the board voted 5-1 to accept the Traffic Officer’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission for the closure of Main Street, from Maiden Lane to Pearl Street on Sunday, May 18, 2003 from the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the annual Connecticut Motorcycle Tours Motorcycle Show.
Commissioner Pucino opposed the motion because the closure of the street meant that two churches would be closed off to parishioners during morning masses.
Officer Shopey assured the board that it wouldn’t be a problem for church parking.
UNITED WAY CAR SHOW #1040
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 for permission to close Main Street from Church Street to Water Street on Friday, August 22, 2003, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for the United Way Car Show.
WARNER THEATER CAR SHOW #1060
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Telman, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Officer’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission for permission to close Main Street from Church Street to Water Street on Friday, July 18, 2003 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for the annual Warner Theater Car Show.
LAUREL HILL ROAD #1110
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Officer’s recommendation to seek permission from the State Traffic Commission to approve a “25 MPH” speed limit sign on Laurel Hill Road.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #1210
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s report for April 2003.
DEPUTY CHIEF’S REPORT #1220
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s report for April 2003.
FIRE MARSHAL & TRAINING OFFICER #1240
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal’s and Training Officer’s report for April 2003.
INCIDENT REPORT #1250
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for April 2003.
DISPATCH LOGGER BID #1270
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the recommendations from the Purchasing Agent and the Fire Chief to award the bid concerning the Dispatch Logger for the Fire Department to the low bidder, Dictaphone Corporation of Stratford, Ct. for $11,925.40 and referred it to the City Council.
VEHICLE REPLACEMENT #1300
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Telman, a discussion took place concerning Vehicle Replacement with regard to the Fire Department and Rescue 8, per Commissioner Potter’s request.
Commissioner Potter asked that the information Chief Field supplied to Mayor Quinn’s office be forwarded to the Board of Safety.
Mayor Quinn stated that it would be forwarded to the board immediately. He had given Chief Field the recommendation that the vehicle replacement “8" had not been approved by the Mayor as a vehicle replacement, and that Chief Field would have to treat that as new stock in the inventory. That’s the way it would be according to the policy.
Commissioner Potter said he didn’t agree, and was certain the rest of the board didn’t either.
Mayor Quinn indicated that the Chiefs would have to come up with usage and intent prior to going to the Board of Safety, the City Council and the Board of Finance. He said the city didn’t have $280,000.00 at a time when he was trying to cut budgets and take responsible action while attempting to save firefighter and policemen’s jobs. He stated that Commissioner Potter knew what the situation was but refused to hear it.
Commissioner Potter stated that the board was not being allowed to discuss the issue and vote on something that was their responsibility and right, as a board, to vote on.
Mayor Quinn said “You’ve got your report in your hand, do with it as you will.”
Commissioner Telman asked about the policy. He said he had no idea what it was; he had never seen it.
Commissioner Potter stated that he was the only board member who had seen the policy and disagreed with the way Mayor Quinn was portraying it.
Mayor Quinn said “We’ll get the report for you. You can have everything. I’ve made the request denial, it will go forward as a new piece of equipment and the usage will be there.”
Commissioner Telman said he didn’t think that’s what they were looking for.
Mayor Quinn noted that the minutes said “Commissioner Potter knew that this would be somewhat unpopular,” he also said that he would talk to the Mayor about it, however, he never went to see the Mayor.
Commissioner Potter didn’t think he said he would go see the Mayor.
Commissioner Telman said he believed Rescue 8 was the issue. Personally, he thought the board was looking for an overall plan for what the Fire Department would need, long term.
Mayor Quinn said “The Chief is going to provide that. He’s given it to me and he’s given it to you, or we’ll see that it is made public to those people.”
Commissioner Telman said that’s all he was looking for. Mayor Quinn said people were looking for different things. Mayor Quinn said he was open to anyone coming in to see him.
Commissioner Telman said he thought the board was looking for an overall plan and not just for one piece of equipment, however, it would be great if Rescue 8 was included in that plan.
Mayor Quinn read an excerpt from March 19th minutes, “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.” Mayor Quinn noted that this statement was made after Mr. Monschiene had spoken about some equipment, and that the meeting had never taken place.
Mayor Quinn said “You got your report from the Chief. You’re going to have to go and treat it as a new piece of equipment. You want to add it to the inventory. This board has the right to bring it forward and say this is a necessary piece of equipment. It will go to the appropriate boards and agencies for their action.”
Commissioner Potter inquired why it was being treated as a new piece of equipment when the intent was to replace a piece of equipment that was part of the fleet. That specific question was asked during this policy making committee meeting.
Mayor Quinn indicated that Commissioner Potter was given the answer.
Commissioner Potter: “That everything that is currently in the fleet will be included in the policy, and that Rescue 8 is currently included in the fleet and it has been for years.”
Mayor Quinn said, “No, that’s not what we said. It’s in the fleet, just as if we have drug enforcement stuff, for example, the Police Chief just gave a report that added a piece of equipment to the inventory which was denied, but it is used for drug surveillance and it is also going to be used only for repair. The Rescue 8 vehicle came in as a donated piece of property, and it was not a city expenditure. It has used up its usefulness which I agree, and now it’s time to see if that is going to be replaced by a new piece of equipment with taxpayer’s dollars.”
Commissioner Potter said he didn’t understand why they couldn’t vote on a simple vehicle replacement plan. This was the whole issue that basically threw the volunteer involvement in a vehicle replacement plan out the window because they never voted on a plan. In reality, as far as the Mayor’s Office was concerned or other people who really shouldn’t have a say in determining the Fire or Police Department’s needs, were dictating what the Board of Safety, as an elected board, could or couldn’t do and he thought that was totally wrong.
Commissioner Zordan noted that they had approximately $300,000.00 in the vehicle replacement account. He said “If we had a plan and said ‘This is our priority’, so be it, a pumper, a ladder, whatever it may be. If the Chiefs decide that this is what we need, then that’s what we should vote on, and if we have enough money in the account to pay for it, then that’s what we should do.”
Mayor Quinn said “What the Board of Public Safety wanted was the Fire Chief’s recommendation on vehicle utilization in his department. He’s got that. It will be given to you. I have also signed the document that says that that is not to be construed as a replacement piece of equipment but it will have to be treated as a new piece of equipment. I have signed off for that, I have forwarded to the Chief the appropriate request forms that he can use. The Chief, the Deputy Chief, the Fire Department can come forward with that and justify the need for that piece of equipment coming in. It will be then brought to the Board of Public Safety for their debate, review and comment, and if they feel that that’s an appropriate step, then they can vote that. Then the matter
will be referred to other boards and agencies. That’s what the policy stated, we have followed the directives. I know you may not like that, but that’s the way the system is right now.”
Commissioner Potter inquired who Chief Field would have to justify the vehicle to.
Mayor Quinn said “To all boards and agencies with regard to a major expenditure.”
Commissioner Potter indicated that that would be the Board of Safety, the City Council and the Board of Finance.
Mayor Quinn said “Correct.”
Commissioner Potter inquired whether anyone else would be involved, like Equipment Maintenance or Purchasing. They wouldn’t have a say in whether or not the Fire Department could have a fire engine or the Police Department could have a police car.
Mayor Quinn said he didn’t think they would have a say in whether or not they could or couldn’t however, the Purchasing Agent makes recommendations with regard to bids, they talk about the nature of the bid like where they could get the best price. Equipment Maintenance was a valuable resource in regard to equipment for the Police and Fire Departments, Street Department, etc.
Commissioner Potter indicated that the major intent of the policy was so Equipment Maintenance would be able to properly fund for the equipment.
Mayor Quinn said “Correct.”
In looking at the bigger picture, Commissioner Telman inquired what they would do for a vehicle replacement plan in 10, 15, 20 years from now.
Mayor Quinn noted that the vehicle replacement plan was there and they wanted to add a Rescue 8 to it. They just didn’t recognize the plan existed.
Commissioner Potter stated that the plan had them purchasing a pumper this current budget year and their intent was to turn over one of the city’s pumpers to Torringford.
Mayor Quinn said “There are certain things that were assumed to be in the plan that had a funding allocation that did not. So, the only things that are in the plan are the plans that Michaud furnished to you in that meeting that did not happen.”
Commissioner Potter disagreed. He said the plan had the city having seven or eight pumpers by the year 2009.
Mayor Quinn stated that the plan did include some pumpers, although he wasn’t exactly sure on the number. The situation was that they couldn’t suddenly switch a pumper for another piece of equipment.
Commissioner Potter thought they were trying to go through the process properly in order to be able to make the appropriate changes to support the Fire Department and it seemed like they weren’t being allowed to do that.
Commissioner Zordan stated that it appeared Torringford was purchasing their own pumper. Since there wasn’t a need to replace one this year, they could take the opportunity to revise the plan.
Commissioner Potter stated that they were informed as a board that they never voted on a plan and all he was asking for was that a plan be brought forward to them by the Chief.
Mayor Quinn indicated that the chief had a plan and a recommendation.
Commissioner Potter said all they wanted was that it be brought forward to the board so they could vote on it.
Mayor Quinn said “You’ve got it Commissioner....He’s got the plan, he’s got the appropriate forms, he can bring them forward, first place is to the Board of Public Safety.”
Commissioners Telman, Zordan and Zaharek all stated for the record, they were lost.
Commissioner Cook indicated that the Chief would be presenting the board with something and they should take a look at it.
Commissioner Potter: “The chief has done what he was told to do. He forwarded a plan to the Mayor’s Office which was supposed to have been forwarded to us and it hasn’t yet. Now, maybe the Mayor is waiting for more documents in regard to the Rescue truck, I don’t know, that’s all, I don’t understand why the stuff is not moving forward.”
Commissioner Telman said he didn’t want the Rescue truck to be the sticking point on the whole thing. It seemed like they were all heading in fifteen different directions and no one knew where they were going. At some point he hoped to have someone explain it to them so they wouldn’t have to continue to go through this month after month.
Mayor Quinn stated that would be a good thing.
Commissioner Telman said they could set up a time or do it during the next meeting.
Commissioner Zaharek asked “Is there a vehicle replacement plan or is there not? That’s the question.”
Mayor Quinn stated that there was a vehicle replacement plan.
Commissioner Zaharek said the board would like to sit and discuss it.
Commissioner Telman suggested setting up a special meeting where they could have people come in to explain the policy so they could know what’s going on.
Mayor Quinn said “That was one of the reasons why I suggested that Commissioner Potter sit on the thing so that we could all be on the same page. That obviously has not worked to all of our satisfaction. Not pointing fingers, but maybe we just need to do it a different way. I’m certainly willing to do that, and what you will be getting from the Chief is his recommendations, that’s what we started off saying that you wanted, you have.”
Commissioner Zordan: “So, at the very least, if we don’t have a separate meeting, we can just put in on the agenda to discuss the particular plan, specific....(sentence unfinished).”
Mayor Quinn indicated that they would have a meeting to do that.
No vote was taken in regard to Vehicle Replacement regarding Fire Department and Rescue 8.
BUS: DEPARTMENT HEADS #1940
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Deputy Chief Milano gave a status report on the new officers, three of which were getting ready to finish their FTO Program and go on their own, one was certified and taking the fast track, and one was in the academy. The fifth police officer will come on board next fall.
With all due respect to the Mayor and the Board of Safety, Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell stated that he stood before them as one upset chief from the volunteer department in this town. He wanted everyone to understand for the record that they were about to light the fuse of a dispute that could be worse than the Black Helmet issue. He stated that the vote from four of the Commissioners not to appropriate funds to the three volunteer departments to get part of a replacement plan was a slap in the face.
Commissioner Potter’s motion to allocate $100,000.00 of city money to acquire volunteer apparatus replacements was supported only by Commissioner Zaharek, while the others back peddled on their forty volunteer members of this town. “Are we not valuable enough to have us in this town?”, he asked. He couldn’t understand how the volunteers could be treated so badly.
Chief Cornell said “And you said to us, Mr. Mayor, ‘Well, if you take $100,000.00 out of that account’, (the account that heaven knows where it is) that’s like saying to the Board of Safety ‘Well, you really didn’t need it anyway’ ,” whacked, right on the side of the face. If we’re not that valuable, Mr. Mayor, you better tell us so. Me, tell Chief Noad, and you can talk to Bob Szmalc up at Drakeville. We are this far from just igniting that fuse. You don’t want to get it, you’re inconsistent in your votes, you don’t support your volunteer fire departments anymore at all. You say you do, you don’t Chris. We asked you to help with Tax Abatement, you could never make any meetings, you’re always
too busy. Everybody else changes their vote from one month to the next. I, as a representative of Torringford Volunteer Fire Department, am disgusted with the Board of Safety, and frankly, we’ll find a way to buy our own truck. We haven’t announced we’re buying our own truck. Do you have $250,000.00 for us? We don’t have $250,000.00. So, if you think we’re buying one, we haven’t told you that yet, have we? We’ve been waiting for eight years for something to happen to this town and all the three volunteer departments get is kicked around.”
BUS: MAYOR AND MEMBERS #2140
On a motion by Commissioner Telman, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the Board of Public Safety.
The board thanked the Police and Fire Department for inviting them to their scheduled events.
Commissioner Zaharek commended the Police Department for their recent successful drug raid.
Commissioner Potter asked Officer Shopey if he would look into former Commissioner McLeod’s suggestion to install a ten minute loading zone in front of the Salvation Army.
Officer Shopey indicated that he had been in contact with the DOT on that matter and that it would have to come before this board because it would involve eliminating one parking meter.
Commissioner Potter indicated that he would like the board members to consider starting their meetings earlier.
Commissioner Telman hoped they could be consistent with earlier meetings whether or not a meeting of the Board of Trustees was scheduled.
Mayor Quinn indicated that he might have some conflicts with community events scheduled during the summer months but would try to accommodate the earlier meetings.
Commissioner Telman said he felt bad about Chief Cornell’s statements. By no means was his vote meant to slap him in the face. His vote to oppose was based on a comment made by Deputy Chief Giampaolo who said they needed to solidify one thing before they moved onto the next.
Commissioner Telman said he had always supported the volunteers in his heart and knew they had a plan to give the volunteers a pumper. He sincerely hoped the matter didn’t blow up into something greater than the Black Helmet issue. If it did, he apologized, but the bottom line was that they needed to solidify the career department and get a plan so the volunteers could be worked into it.
Mayor Quinn said “We’ll get the information in regard to the chief, we’ll move forward with this.” He stated that the city had witnessed in the past year or so a very changed economic situation where the city was receiving only one out of three dollars from the state. Budgets were being watched very closely. There were no more excess dollars like they had received in the past. What people perceived as being the next step was very difficult to afford in this budget process. To do those things would create an unacceptable mill rate to the vast majority of the people in Torrington. It’s very difficult to make major investments
while asking department heads to come in with zero-based budgets. It was his belief that the Chiefs were equally frustrated in being respectful to their own departments as well as the volunteers. He agreed with Commissioner Telman and apologized to Chief Cornell for feeling “slapped in the face.” He assured Chief Cornell that it wasn’t a slap in the face but rather a sign of economic times and a changing world that they are trying to grapple with. He hoped they could avoid recriminations and collectively work their way out of a very difficult state and city budget process. Everyone was having to do more with less and that message was not meant to be a slap to anyone. Volunteers were highly respected for the work they perform for the good of the community.
ADJOURNMENT #2600
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CCTC, CMC
CITY CLERK
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