MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
NOVEMBER 10, 2004
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, November 10, 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 Robert Milano, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Fire Chief John Field, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, and Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell. Absent were Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Aaron Picz and Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Jason Noad.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES #020
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held October 13, 2004.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #030
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Ann Frauenhofer, of 52 Workman Avenue, indicated that two of the three issues she presented at the “October 13" meeting have not been resolved. The progress on the traffic problem on Workman Avenue was minimal. Lives and property were still at risk. A 25 MPH sign has been installed and to her knowledge radar was conducted only once. She has not received any communication from Chief Milano on her request for “Slow, Children” signs, nor on making the intersection of Guilford and Workman Avenue a three way stop. She spoke briefly with Chief Milano after the 10/13 meeting and was assured that he would be in touch with her.
Steve McAllister, 54 Workman Avenue, felt stop signs were necessary to stop the traffic from speeding, and would be more than happy to donate funds toward their installation.
Ann Frauenhofer spoke about the damage done to her curbing and driveway at 52 Workman Avenue. She received an e-mail from Dave Rivera on 11/02 that said, “according to Public Works, the sidewalks were pretty much shot.” She advised him that her complaint was not about sidewalks, but rather the curbing and driveway damaged during the reconstruction of her street.
She pointed out that the damage done to her Burrville property took three years to resolve. She felt victimized by the system’s stalling tactics. It was unacceptable to her that Public Works denied responsibility for the damage and wouldn’t be held accountable. She felt it was most urgent to resolve the traffic matter as well as the repairs to her property before the onset of winter.
Mayor Quinn stated that the proper venue for the speed problem was the Board of Public Safety. However, the damage to her property should be taken up with the Public Works Department and would be more appropriate under the City Council’s jurisdiction. He would facilitate a meeting between Public Works and Engineering.
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS #460
Deputy Chief Giampaolo began the presentation of awards by stating how grateful he was to the professional people who attended to his son on the night of May 24, 1990 when he was hit by a truck on Main Street. He deeply appreciated the services available in our city. This is one reason why he felt it was so important to recognize employees, neighbors and friends when they take extraordinary measures.
Deputy Giampaolo stated that, on the morning of May 13, Carl Mueller and his family awoke to find their home ablaze and little time for anything but to escape. The calls went out and the city’s emergency system kicked in. In a few short minutes, their home was surrounded by emergency workers. First, they checked to make certain everyone had escaped, then they started to battle the blaze. Two of our off-duty firefighters and close neighbors to the Mueller’s responded to help wherever they could. Both firefighters, Joseph DuCotey and Mark Hilpert joined retired firefighter and bystander, Roger Rougeot who was struggling to contain a 2 ½ inch attack line that had broken and was dangerously flailing uncontrollably through the air. Realizing that these firefighters were in trouble,
Sgt. Bruce Whiteley joined the fight until the line was shut down. Battered, exhausted, and soaking wet, these individuals picked themselves up and went back to work trying to minimize the damage to the home of Carl and Kara Mueller. Though the outcome wasn’t as positive as they would have liked, the efforts of our city services were exemplary and should duly be noted.
The city recognized Roger Rougeot for his unselfish actions on the morning of May 13, 2004 with a Citizen Service Medal. He was instrumental in protecting the lives of rescuers and bystanders as well.
The city recognized Sgt. Bruce Whiteley from the Torrington Police Department with a Public Safety Cross for his unselfish actions and extending himself in the efforts of public safety on the morning of May 13, 2004.
The city recognized firefighter Joseph DuCotey with a Medal of Merit for his dedicated service to our city and its Fire Department and his unselfish actions on the morning of May 13, 2004. He was instrumental in protecting the lives of rescuers and bystanders as well.
The city recognized firefighter Mark Hilpert with a Medal of Merit for his dedicated service to our city and its Fire Department on the morning of May 13, 2004. He was instrumental in protecting the lives of rescuers and bystanders as well.
Mark Hilpert was also recognized with a Special Award of Honor (2nd Award Bronze Star) when he delivered four Heimlick chest thrusts to a young man choking on food lodged in his throat. He acted quickly and professionally within his training to save the life of a perfect stranger. His actions had bestowed credit and honor to himself, his family, and his Fire Department.
Mayor Quinn and the Board congratulated all the recipients.
ACCEPT AS REGULAR MEMBERS #960
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Capt. Michael Maniago, Lt. Michael Emanuel, Sgt. Bruce Whiteley, and Sgt. John Newkirk after having successfully completed their promotional probationary period.
PATROL & SUPPORT SERVICES REPORT #980
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the Patrol Division and Support Services Reports for October 2004.
INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES REPORT #990
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the Investigative Services Report for October 2004.
ABANDONED VEHICLE REPORT #1000
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept the Abandoned Vehicles Report for October 2004.
TRAFFIC UNIT REPORT #1010
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Unit Report for October 2004.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SQUAD REPORT #1020
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Traffic Enforcement Squad Report for October 2004.
DEERCREST DRIVE #1030
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to grant Officer Shopey permission to obtain a permit from the State Traffic Commission to install a 25-MPH speed limit sign on Deercrest Drive.
WARNER THEATER PARADE #1040
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to grant Officer Shopey permission to obtain a permit from the State Traffic Commission to hold the Warner Theater Parade on Sunday, November 21, 2004 beginning at 4:00 p.m.
ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY #1055
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to grant Officer Shopey permission to obtain a permit from the State Traffic Commission to close Main Street between Church and Mason on December 3, 2004 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for the annual tree lighting ceremony at City Hall.
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE PARADE #1070
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to grant Officer Shopey permission to obtain a permit from the State Traffic Commission to hold the annual Christmas Village Parade on Main Street, with any related closures or detours, on Sunday, December 5, 2004 beginning at 12:00 p.m.
ROBERTS STREET #1090
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to grant Officer Shopey permission to post the west edge of Roberts Street from its intersection with Highland Avenue to the property line of 7 Roberts Street as “No Parking.”
BUS: SECTION B #1100
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to consider business in Section B.
FREE PARKING #1110
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation that on-street metered locations be allowed two hours of free parking between the dates of December 13, 2004 and January 2, 2005.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #1140
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s Report for October 2004.
DEPUTY CHIEF’S REPORT #1150
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s report for October 2004.
FIRE MARSHAL & TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT #1160
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 October 2004.
INCIDENT REPORT #1170
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for October 2004.
VEHICLE: DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL #1180
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the recommendations from the Purchasing Agent and the Superintendent of Equipment Maintenance to purchase a 2004 Ford Taurus from Torrington Ford for $13,900.00 from the Vehicle Replacement Account to replace the Deputy Fire Marshal’s present vehicle which was due for replacement, and referred it to the City Council.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #1200
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Dept. Heads.
Chief Milano reported that the initial phase of taking over the Parking Authority had gone smoothly. He commended Officer Shopey and his crew for getting everything organized.
In relation to Workman Avenue, he apologized to Ms. Frauenhofer for giving her the impression that he would be personally contacting her. He was aware that Officer Pisarski had done some enforcement work and spoken with some people on Workman Avenue. He acknowledged that Workman Avenue had speeding problems, however, many streets in town have the same problem and the force is spread quite thin. Taking into account the department’s other obligations, enforcement will continue as much as possible. He told Ms. Frauenhofer that he would personally contact her to review some of the details with her.
Ms. Frauenhofer thought a “stop sign” and a “Slow, Children” sign might be the a solution to the problem.
Chief Milano informed Ms. Frauenhofer that stop signs are placed according to federal regulations and it is prohibited to use them for speed control. He assured the board that he would address the matter to the best of the department’s ability and resources.
Chief Field thanked everyone who participated and observed yesterday’s exercise. He also thanked the agencies involved and especially Deputy Chief Giampaolo who was responsible for organizing the entire event.
Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell thanked Chief Field and Deputy Chief Giampaolo for allowing the three volunteer departments to use the services of Larry Hepburn and several other career firefighters in their hazardous materials’ refresher course.
Chief Cornell stated that his department was more than happy to participate in yesterday’s drill.
He informed the board that they would be holding their annual Christmas Tree sale beginning November 29 and their Buck a Boot Drive to raise money for their new truck would be held on November 27.
Membership was status quo at the present time while some of their members continued their training.
Chief Cornell indicated that the three volunteer departments expressed their continued concern over dispatching during their last Fire Service Coordination Committee meeting, and that they have seen excellent results since that last meeting. He complimented the career department for making some changes in the system that enabled the volunteers to be reached in a more efficient manner. All three departments appreciated management’s flexibility and those who worked dispatch for making those changes.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1590
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Benedetto asked Officer Shopey for an update on the elimination of “through trucks” on Torringford East.
Officer Shopey stated that he had not received a response to the letters he sent to Harwinton and New Hartford. His telephone messages also have not been answered.
Commissioner Pucino thanked Officer Shopey for taking care of the lines on Litchfield Street.
Commissioner Telman inquired about the lines on Migeon Avenue.
Officer Shopey stated that all line painting was done by hand and was very difficult. He stated that the city previously had a machine that was driven, but it didn’t meet EPA standards. The crooked lines on Migeon Avenue are the result of a number of corrections. He was hoping to purchase a new machine in the next budget year.
Mayor Quinn personally thanked the Salvation Army for supplying food and beverage to all participants in the training exercise. He also thanked the Timken Corporation for letting the city use their conference room for the debriefing.
Chief Field added that Timken have been more than generous in stepping forward on numerous occasions in letting the city use their facilities for training, etc. and he appreciated their generosity.
Mayor Quinn agreed that Timken continued to respond very generously to anything the city asked of them.
ADJOURNMENT #1890
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:25 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
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