MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
MAY 12, 2004
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, May 12, 2004, 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, Deputy Police Chief Robert Milano, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, and Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell. Absent were Fire Chief John Field, Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Aaron Picz, and Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Jason Noad.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 7:25 pm, immediately following a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Police & Firemens’ Pension Fund scheduled for 7 p.m.
MINUTES #520
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted to accept, with the exception of Commissioner Telman who abstained, the minutes of the special meeting held March 31, 2004 on budgets.
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the special meeting held April 12, 2004 on budgets.
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the special joint meeting with the City Council held on April 12, 2004 on budgets.
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held April 14, 2004.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #560
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no public participation.
APPOINT: OFFICER LOUIS GONZALEZ #610
Chief Janelle explained that he had made a recommendation to the Board of Safety that Officer Louis Gonzalez be promoted to the rank of detective because of the vacancy created when Detective Whiteley was promoted to Sergeant. He stated that the standing list for the position of Detective included Officers Bart Barone and Richard Good who had already been promoted to the rank of Detective. The remaining candidate on the list was Officer Louis Gonzalez, therefore, it was Chief Janelle’s recommendation to promote Officer Louis Gonzalez to the rank of Detective.
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to promote Officer Louis Gonzalez to the rank of Detective.
SWEARING IN: DET. LOUIS GONZALEZ / SGT. JOHN NEWKIRK #710
Mayor Quinn administered the oath of office of Detective to Officer Louis Gonzalez, and that of Sergeant to Officer John Newkirk.
SECTION B: #1020
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to consider business in Section B.
4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS #1030
Traffic Officer Robert Shopey presented an update on the 4th of July fireworks to be held at the Middle School. (Rain date of Monday, the 5th). Just under 1,000 parking spaces on streets and in parking lots will be available. East Pearl Road and all driveways leading into and out of the school property will be one-way during the fireworks display. East Pearl Road will have parking on one side to allow fire and police apparatus safe access to the site. School driveways will be allowed parking on both sides since there will still be enough access for safety apparatus. An Emergency Operations command post will be set up during the entire event. A sufficient number of officers will be present, as well as Fire Police and Explorers who will
assist in the duties of parking. Park & Recreation employees will also assist in parking to make certain it is done properly to get the most parking spaces available.
The fireworks will be shot from the Vito Colangelo field, 718 feet from the closest parking area. The minimum is 600 feet. No fireworks, alcohol, or coolers will be permitted on the property.
Commissioner Benedetto asked Officer Shopey if New Hartford had been notified.
Officer Shopey stated that New Hartford had been notified and that they would be furnishing some of their own constables at the end of the event for traffic control.
OFFICER TOBY GEIGER: PATROLMAN A #1200
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Janelle’s recommendation that Officer Toby Geiger be appointed Patrolman A and regular member of the Torrington Police Department effective May 1, 2004.
PATROL & SUPPORT REPORTS #1240
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept the Patrol Division and Support Services reports for April 2004.
INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES REPORT #1250
The Investigative Services Report for April 2004 was not available.
ABANDONED VEHICLES REPORT #1260
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept the Abandoned Vehicles Report for April 2004.
TRAFFIC UNIT REPORT #1270
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Unit Report for April 2004.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SQUAD REPORT #1290
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Enforcement Squad Report for April 2004.
MORNINGSIDE DRIVE #1310
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to install a 25 MPH speed limit sign on Morningside Drive.
DONORS WEEK ROAD RACE #1350
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission for the 33rd annual Donors Week Road Race scheduled for Sunday, August 8, 2004 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
UNITED WAY CAR SHOW #1360
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to close Main Street from Church to Water and all side streets leading to Prospect Street on Friday, August 20, 2004 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. for the United Way Car Show. A rain date of Sunday August 22, 2004 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. has been requested.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #1400
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s Report for April 2004.
DEPUTY CHIEF’S REPORT #1450
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s Report for April 2004.
FIRE MARSHAL & TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORTS #1460
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the reports from the Fire Marshal and the Training Officer for April 2004.
INCIDENT REPORT #1470
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for April 2004.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #1490
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Deputy Fire Chief Giampaolo congratulated Chief Janelle on a well deserved retirement. He said it had been an honor to work with him, since he considered Chief Janelle to be a mentor for all Police Officers, Fire Fighters, as well as public servants in the city.
City Clerk Joseph L. Quartiero congratulated Chief Janelle on his retirement. As a former state police, Mr. Quartiero stated that he had worked with Chief Janelle in that capacity and that he had always been very cooperative and helpful.
Deputy Police Chief Milano informed the board that Officer Anthony Barbeiri’s name was being placed on the National Memorial in Washington, D.C. in honor of Police Memorial Week, and that he would be attending the ceremonies along with Officer Barbeiri’s family.
Deputy Police Chief Milano stated that it was a distinct honor and privilege to have had an experience of a life time working with Chief Janelle and to learn an awful lot from someone who was more than willing to teach him everything he knew along the way. He stated that they had worked together on many problems and situations and that the Torrington Police Department had gone through a very productive, calm, and professional development, one that would be very, very hard to duplicate in the future. For that, he was very thankful. He wished Chief Janelle a lot of luck in his retirement. He hoped Chief Janelle would visit the department on occasion.
Officer Shopey echoed Deputy Milano’s sentiment. As the Union President, he thought the relationship between the Union and the Chief was probably the best relationship that any Chief has had with the Union, especially since the Chief was a Union member at one time. He has always been very cooperative. Even though there were times they didn’t see eye to eye, they never parted angry with each other. They each understood their position. As a Union, they had never gone farther than they have while under any other Chief. This department has grown in strides under Chief Janelle; they have received vehicles, a building, computers, CERT, .... the list is endless. As a Union, they would like to express their sadness in seeing him retire. Personally, Officer
Shopey stated that Chief Janelle was the best Chief that he had ever worked for and he was going to be missed greatly.
Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell said his department appreciated the attendance from members of the Board of Safety at their Fire Service Coordination’s last meeting. He informed the board that the committee made a couple of decisions on ways to move forward, and some planning in respect to coordination of the fire service, the volunteers and the career. Under the lead of Chief Field and Deputy Chief Giampaolo, his department was looking forward to improving the ISO rating in town.
Chief Cornell thanked Officer Shopey for meeting with the DOT in regard to the problems that five lanes of traffic creates in front of the Torringford Fire House. The DOT had agreed to install a sign that stated “Do Not Block Entrance”.
Chief Cornell reported that the vehicle they ordered last June was now fourteen days late, and a tentative delivery date was now early August. The first payment, however, is still due June 5th.
He informed the board that a pancake breakfast was scheduled for this coming Sunday.
On behalf of his department, Chief Cornell thanked Chief Janelle for his outstanding coordination, attention, and support to all three volunteer fire departments, especially Torringford since they seem to require a bit more attention at times.
Chief Janelle thanked everyone for the kind words that pulled at his heartstrings and he appreciated what everyone had to say. On a more professional note, he hoped he wasn’t overstepping his boundaries, but perceived his job as a police chief and amongst other things was to advise the Board of Safety on certain issues, which he was about to do. He stated that there were certain things within the Police Department on a state wide level that only the Chief of Police could do, i.e. sign temporary liquor permits, pistol permits, etc., and it was his recommendation that the Board appoint, in his absence, either an Interim Chief or an Acting Chief so that business can be conducted as usual.
Mayor Quinn thanked Chief Janelle for his recommendation. He said he would be prepared to address that issue post haste once he had consulted with the Personnel Director and Corporation Counsel.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1920
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Telman extended his gratitude to Chief Janelle. He stated that it had been an absolute honor and pleasure to serve and work with Chief Janelle since he became a Commissioner of the Board. He said Chief Janelle had brought the department to a whole new level and that it would be difficult for anyone to follow in his footsteps.
Chief Janelle thanked Commissioner Telman and said it had been a pleasure to work with him as well.
Commissioner Zaharek reiterated Commissioner Telman’s comments and thanked Chief Janelle for his many years of service to this City. He said “Because of you, Roger, Torrington is a better place. You will be missed and I wish you the best.”
As one of the newest members to the Board, Commissioner Colangelo stated that Chief Janelle was always patient, polite, and always full of information. He appreciated Chief Janelle’s guidance through the initial steps on the board. He will certainly be missed.
Commissioner Colangelo stated that he and Commissioner Cook met with the volunteers and had a very productive meeting. He reported that the volunteers felt they were left out of the budget process and they would like to come up with a scenario where they can become more involved with the budget, have their concerns heard and see what is economically feasible for them.
Commissioner Benedetto thanked Chief Janelle for his years of service and for helping him move forward on this board. He wished him well in his retirement.
Commissioner Pucino commended the entire Police Department for their professional manner in handling the Beth El Synagogue matter.
Commissioner Pucino commended Chief Janelle for dedicating thirty two and a half years to the City of Torrington. She thanked him for all the help he offered her when she had questions. If it wasn’t for Chief Janelle, the DARE Program wouldn’t be what it is today. On his own, he solicited monies when the program was cut due to budget restraints. This meant that the program meant a lot to Chief Janelle. He supported his department with as much training as possible and led them to be a department everyone could be proud of. She stated that many residents were happy to see a local boy work his way up through the ranks when he was promoted to Chief, and that he had proven to other Police Officers that staying put in one department and working hard to get to the top had
its advantages. She stated that it had been an honor and a privilege to have worked with him, and that he would be missed greatly. She wished him the best of luck in his future endeavors.
Commissioner Cook said he reiterated everyone else’s comments. He congratulated Chief Janelle in his retirement. He hoped he would enjoy it, since it was well deserved. As Commissioner, it had been a pleasure and an honor to work with Chief Janelle.
Mayor Quinn agreed with Commissioner Pucino and commended the Police Department for their security at the Beth El Synagogue.
Mayor Quinn said he had known Chief Janelle from the time the Police Department was located on the first floor of City Hall and they were both much younger. Much had changed in the City of Torrington. One thing that hadn’t changed was Chief Janelle’s belief that the City should reach its full potential. Chief Janelle is a great leader of men and has always had a firm grasp of what leadership meant and how to accomplish it.
Mayor Quinn stated that Chief Janelle was always quick to follow up on any complaint and used the common sense approach. He realized that we all work for the taxpayer’s of the City of Torrington and no complaint was ever too small for him to follow up in a very personal way. He always took time to hear complaints and do his job with distinction. Mayor Quinn said “I have known Roger for a long period of time, respect the work that you’ve done, and thirty two and a half years, nobody deserves to retire more than somebody like you....I happen to know somebody personally that also worked thirty two and a half years in his department and they’re a rare breed, and I recognized you in the same class as that other person that I happen to know that was thirty two and a half
years, and on behalf of the City of Torrington, on behalf of the Mayors that you have served under, and on behalf of this Mayor, our undying gratitude for a job well done, Sir. Thank you”.
Chief Janelle received a well-deserved grand applause and a standing ovation. He certainly will be missed by all.
ADJOURNMENT #2250
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:12 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CCTC, CMC
CITY CLERK
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