MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DECEMBER 10, 2003
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, December 10, 2003, in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Owen J. Quinn, Jr., members of the Board of Public Safety Richard L. Zaharek, Douglas J. Benedetto, Christopher H. Cook, Carolann Kennedy-Pucino, Michael Colangelo, and Thomas T. Telman, Jr., Corporation Counsel Al Vasko, Police Chief Roger Janelle, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Fire Chief John Field, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, and Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
MINUTES #020
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board, with the exception of Commissioners Benedetto and Colangelo who abstained, voted to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held November 12, 2003.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #030
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted to open the meeting to the public.
Judith Monk, 49 Water Street, indicated that the Board of Safety had instructed Chief Janelle to investigate her allegations against the Torrington Police Department in regard to her grandson and pointed out that she had heard nothing from him. Her appeal is scheduled for January.
Chief Janelle said he would feel more comfortable discussing the matter with Ms. Monk in private, at her convenience.
Ms. Monk agreed.
Bridget Beauchaine, 113 Sharon Avenue, explained that the recent reclamation of Sharon Avenue has resulted in icing conditions causing a safety issue. The only working storm drain on the street is located at the end of her driveway and is presently buried under ice. Mail carriers have refused to deliver her mail in the past because of the icy condition and the school bus stops are dangerous. She indicated that the matter has been brought to the City Council’s attention on many occasions, and she has been told that the situation will be monitored over the winter months, however, the city has not even sanded the area in recent days.
Ms. Beauchaine also expressed a concern over the accessibility of fire trucks on her street. The road “extends out” and “cuts in” and has no uniformity. As a taxpayer, she felt it was reasonable to ask for a safe street with no water and/or icing problems. She inquired who would be responsible for any kind of accident occurring due to the ice if the City of Torrington was aware of the problem.
Michael Mallick, 135 Sharon Avenue, concurred with statements made by Ms. Beauchaine. He inquired about the yellow tape that was stretched between five poles across from his home that said “Fire Line - Do No Cross.”
Chief Field said he was not aware of that situation and would investigate the matter.
Chief Janelle said he was unfamiliar with Ms. Beauchaine’s issue.
Mayor Quinn said “So now we have two situations that need to be looked at from a Police and a Fire standpoint and you can give us the report that you have and we’ll be glad to share that when I get it with the neighbors from Sharon Avenue.”
SWEARING-IN: PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICERS #430
Chief Janelle indicated that Kevin Sultaire and Gregory Wityak had been given conditional job offers after having successfully completed a very rigorous hiring process. It was his recommendation that the Board of Public Safety hire Kevin Sultaire and Gregory Wityak as probationary officers.
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted to accept Chief Janelle’s recommendation to hire Kevin Sultaire and Gregory Wityak as Probationary Police Officers for the City of Torrington.
Mayor Quinn administered the oath of office to each of the gentlemen.
PATROL & SUPPORT REPORTS #580
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted to accept the reports from the Patrol and Support Services for November 2003.
INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES #590
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted to accept the Investigative Services Report for November 2003.
TRAFFIC #600
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted to accept the Traffic Unit Report for November 2003.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SQUAD #620
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted to accept the Traffic Enforcement Squad Report for November 2003.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #630
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted to accept Chief Field’s Report for November 2003.
DEPUTY CHIEF’S REPORT #640
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s Report for November 2003.
FIRE MARSHAL & TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT #650
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted to accept the Fire Marshal’s and Training Officer’s Report for November 2003.
INCIDENT REPORT #660
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted to accept the Incident Report for November 2003.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #680
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted to consider business presented by Department Heads.
For the record, Chief Janelle informed the board that, as of December 12th, Sgt. David Wood will have completed his six-month probation period in the rank of Sgt. It was his recommendation to appoint Sgt. David Wood permanently as a Patrol Sergeant, effective December 12, 2003.
ADD TO AGENDA #700
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted to add the item to the Agenda by 2/3rds vote.
SGT. DAVID WOOD - PERMANENT STATUS #710
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted to accept Chief Janelle’s recommendation to appoint Sgt. David Wood permanently as a Patrol Sergeant, effective December 12, 2003.
Chief Field pointed out that new appointments from the Board of Public Safety were required for the Fire Service Coordination Committee.
Secondly, he hoped everyone had the opportunity to review the operation change that took place December 1, 2003. He’d be available to answer any questions.
Mayor Quinn stated that he was working on new appointments.
Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell reported that their Christmas Tree sale was going well. He also reported having collected in excess of $700.00 during their Buck a Truck fund raiser for their new engine. He commended the Union for the idea of using their helmets to collect funds, simulating the Fire Department’s Boot Drive.
Chief Cornell informed the board that a local corporation had donated a 1999 Chevy cargo van, and several businessmen had donated money and/or services to turn it into a Fire Police vehicle. With the cooperation of the Torrington Fire and Police Departments, the vehicle is just about ready for the road.
Their new pumper is still on target for arrival in the early part of May.
Chief Janelle indicated that the credit he received from Chief Cornell in regard to the cargo van should be given to Mike Michaud and his crew, and suggested that perhaps the board could send them a note of appreciation.
SECTION B: #920
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted to consider business in Section B.
FIRE DEPT. UNIFORMS BID: #930
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board accepted the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to award the “Fire Dept. Uniforms” bid to the only bidder meeting all requirements, Mag & Sons Clothing of New Britain, Ct. for an annual estimate of $15,992.70, and referred it to the City Council.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #960
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Telman inquired about the status of the Rescue Truck and the Board of Finance.
Mayor Quinn indicated that it was relatively nowhere further than it was the last time they spoke, simply because it hadn’t progressed any further.
Commissioner Telman indicated that he still had not seen nor received a copy of the Vehicle Replacement Policy which they were told they would receive.
Mayor Quinn pointed out that it did exist and that it wouldn’t be a problem getting it to him.
Commissioner Telman indicated that the entire board should get a copy.
Secondly, Commissioner Telman pointed out that the Police Department had some issues with the Street Department in regard to having chains put on and taken off their vehicles during the last snow storm.
Chief Janelle indicated that he had been informed of the situation late this afternoon. It was his understanding that they would only put chains on four vehicles. That put a hardship on the other three vehicles, making it difficult for them to get around in the snow. He stated that he will address the matter with the maintenance department.
From a safety point of view, Commissioner Telman didn’t feel it was the Street Department’s place to relegate to the Police Department and he felt the issue needed to be addressed.
Chief Cornell stated that plowing had also been an issue during the first storm.
Mayor Quinn and the Commissioners welcomed the new members to the board and well wishes for the holidays were exchanged.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #1140
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted to go into Executive Session under Personnel: Police Department at 8:08 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
On a motion by Richard Zaharek, seconded by Carolann Kennedy-Pucino, the board went into Open Session at 8:25 p.m.
On a motion by Christopher Cook, seconded by Thomas Telman, the board adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
ALBERT G. VASKO
Acting Recording Secretary
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