MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
AUGUST 11, 2004
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, August 11, 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, and Michael Colangelo; Corporation Counsel Al Vasko, Acting Police Chief Robert Milano, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Fire Chief John Field, and Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell. Absent included Commissioner Thomas T. Telman, Jr., 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 7:35 P.M.
MINUTES #200
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held July 21, 2004.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #220
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.
PATROL & SUPPORT REPORTS #240
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the Patrol Division and Support Services reports for July 2004.
Commissioner Pucino commended Sgt. Recchini for reviewing the phone system and obtaining a better phone plan at a lesser cost to the department.
Commissioner Colangelo inquired how the enhanced 911 upgrade will interface with their department.
Acting Police Chief Milano indicated that they had been active with this service for the past several weeks and things were working reasonably well.
INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES REPORT #290
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept the Investigative Services Report for July 2004.
ABANDONED VEHICLES REPORT #300
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept the Abandoned Vehicles Report for July 2004.
TRAFFIC UNIT REPORT #310
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Unit Report for July 2004.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SQUAD REPORT #320
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Enforcement Squad Report for July 2004.
EAST ELM STREET #340
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation that Winthrop Street at the Walgreens driveway at the intersection of East Elm Street be posted as “Right Turn Only”.
During a discussion, Officer Shopey stated that he would have to go through the State Traffic Commission to make changes to the Walgreens driveway. He met with the DOT and they don’t have a problem with the change.
Officer Shopey also informed the board that he had discussed with the DOT changing the roadway pattern to allow vehicles traveling east from the intersection of North Square to have two travel lanes; one a through lane and one a left turn lane for vehicles turning left onto Winthrop to eliminate vehicles passing on the right.
Commissioner Colangelo inquired whether the driveway from Walgreens exiting onto Main Street was causing a problem.
Officer Shopey said no.
Commissioner Pucino thought people would complain about not being able to get to the post office.
Officer Shopey said it would actually be better because some of the traffic trying to turn left at the post office would be eliminated. He said he had previously attempted to get a traffic signal installed at the post office, however, the post office, as well as the liquor store across the street from the post office, refused to move forward with the proposal.
On a separate note, Officer Shopey informed the board that it appeared as though Torrington will be getting a signal installed at the intersection of Burr Mountain Road, Winsted Road and Greenwoods Road in the very near future.
ADD TO AGENDA: BLOCK PARTY WESTLEDGE CIRCLE #480
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to add an item to the Agenda by 2/3rds vote in regard to a block party on Westledge Circle.
BLOCK PARTY: WESTLEDGE CIRCLE #500
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to approve the request for a block party on Westledge Circle scheduled for Saturday, August 21, from 1 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #520
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s Report for July 2004.
DEPUTY CHIEF’S REPORT #540
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s Report for July 2004.
Commissioner Pucino requested being notified for the upcoming bus rescue exercise.
FIRE MARSHAL & TRAINING OFFICER #560
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept the reports from the Fire Marshal and the Training Officer for July 2004.
INCIDENT REPORT #570
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for July 2004.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #590
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Acting Police Chief Milano said he appreciated the visit to the command post from Mayor Quinn and several Commissioners during the robbery that recently took place. He thanked the Fire Department for their assistance, Torrington Mattress for allowing them to set up their command post in their driveway, and Torrington Honda and Daley Moving and Storage for their understanding. He also publicly thanked the State Police for their support, which was crucial in allowing them to cover the entire area.
Acting Police Chief Milano reported that Officers Wityak and Sultaire have finished their FTO’s and are on their own. Conditional job offers were made to two additional people. They have already passed two crucial tests and their background checks are in progress.
The testing for new hires sought by Acting Chief Milano during the last meeting is scheduled for October 19th, 2004 at the Torrington High School. The Special Olympics’ Pasta Supper, spearheaded by Officer Hayes and her group of supporters was a success. Approximately $4,000.00 was raised.
Fire Chief Field indicated that the Torrington Fire Department is currently hosting a Department of Homeland Security Training Session and approximately 35 police officers and firefighters from across the state will be attending.
Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell reported that Torringford’s Car Show was successful. Approximately $1,000.00 was raised. The next fund raiser will be their Annual Tag Sale at the end of September and they will be looking for quality items to sell.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #760
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 Zaharek commended the Police Department for being so well organized at the command post. It was a tribute to Acting Chief Milano and the entire Police Department.
He also commended Chris Smedick, amongst other officers, for their enthusiasm and professionalism during the robbery. Their communication skills between the organizations were commendable.
Commissioner Pucino stated that she had attempted to get to the command post during the investigation, but was held back by State Police.
Commissioner Cook stated that he was impressed to see that many officers and troopers working together.
ADJOURNMENT #850
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:55 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
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