MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
JUNE 8, 2005
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, June 8, 2005, in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Owen J. Quinn, Jr., Board of Public Safety Commissioners Douglas J. Benedetto, Christopher H. Cook, Carolann Kennedy-Pucino, and Michael Colangelo, Corporation Counsel Al Vasko, Police Chief Robert Milano, Acting Deputy Police Chief Michael Maniago, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Fire Chief John Field, and Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo. Absent were Commissioners Richard L. Zaharek, and Thomas T. Telman, Jr., Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell, Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Aaron Picz and Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Jason Noad.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.
MINUTES #015
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the special meeting held April 6, 2005.
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the special joint meeting with the City Council held April 11, 2005.
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held April 13, 2005.
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the special meeting held April 28, 2005.
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the special meeting held May 5, 2005.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #050
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Venice Blackman, 71 Belleview Avenue, on behalf of herself and several of her neighbors, spoke concerning the property owners of the home on the corner of New Litchfield Street and Belleview Avenue whereby they always had a number of cars parked at the entrance of the street on the right-hand side of Belleview Avenue. Officer Shopey has helped to the best of his capacity to enforce the ordinances and regulations and has installed a “No Parking From Here to Corner” sign on the west edge of Belleview near New Litchfield Street, and installed a “No Parking” sign on the opposite side, the east edge of Belleview Avenue. The people living in the house in question have had twelve to fourteen vehicles parked in their yard at all times, and at least four vehicles parked on the right hand of
the street going into Belleview. Someone always has a bumper right up to the corner of New Litchfield Street. It was her belief that the matter was one of public safety. She suggested moving the “No Parking From Here to Corner” sign further up Belleview Avenue to provide for a safer access and egress into and out of Belleview from New Litchfield Street.
Mayor Quinn stated that the board would take her information under advisement and get back to her.
Chris Severi, 119 Dartmouth Street, said he supported Officer Shopey’s request for the “Two Hour No Parking” sign on Oliver Street, from Fern Drive to Ryan Terrace. He reported that students parking near his home have denied him access to his property, and were drag racing up and down Ryan Terrace, and flying around the sharp corner on Ryan Terrace. They have vandalized, trespassed and left pornography in his yard. They hit his vehicle, and torn down his “Don’t Park on my Grass” sign. He expressed his concern about his daughter taking the school bus at the intersection of Dartmouth and Oliver Street.
Officer Shopey stated that a meeting was held with students of Oliver Wolcott and the neighbors, and that State Representative Ann Ruwet, as well as the Director of all state schools attended.
Commissioner Pucino said she spoke with Representative Ann Ruwet and Senator Roraback about the matter and told them that the parking at Oliver Wolcott has become more of a state problem than a city problem because the state built the school and provided no parking for it. The principal would like students to park at the high school. However, the students refuse to do so because they say their cars are being vandalized there.
Officer Shopey said the school wants to change the part time security position to full time and offer the students a shuttle bus from the parking lot to the school.
Mr. Severi reported that the students said they would continue to refuse to park at the high school lot even if they were given a full time security person.
Officer Shopey said the result of the meeting was that the students were given approximately twelve additional parking spaces on a grassy section in their existing lot. This resolution has helped.
Tom Teti, 210 East Pearl Street, asked for permission to speak at a later time, concerning the continuation of the Canine Program.
The board had no objection.
CHIEF MILANO’S REPORT #420
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Milano’s Report for April and May 2005.
BROOKSIDE AVENUE #435
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to approve Officer Shopey’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to install a 25-mph speed limit sign on Brookside Ave.
TWO HOUR PARKING #460
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Cook, a discussion took place in regard to Officer Shopey’s request to install signs that read “Two Hour Parking During School Hours” on Fern Drive from the Church driveway to Oliver St. and on Oliver St. from Amherst St. to Ryan Terrace.
Officer Shopey amended his recommendation to the following: Install “Two Hour Parking” signs on the north side of Oliver Street from Dartmouth to Ryan Terrace, do nothing on the south side of Oliver Street so students can park there, and not to install signs on Fern Drive.
Officer Shopey stated that Dartmouth and Amherst were presently posted with “No Parking” on one side and “Two Hour Parking” on the other. They would now post “Two Hour Parking” signs on Oliver Street up to Ryan Terrace.
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s amended recommendation.
STREET FAIRS #510
On a motion by Commissioner Pucino, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to approve Officer Shopey’s request to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to close Main Street between Water and Mason Street on June 26, 2005 and again on September 25, 2005, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for Street Fairs.
HERITAGE DAY FAIR #530
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to approve Officer Shopey’s request to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to close Litchfield Street between Prospect and South Main Street on Saturday, August 13, 2005 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a rain date of August 14, 2005 for the Heritage Day Fair.
OLIVER WOLCOTT GRADUATION #540
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to approve Officer Shopey’s request to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to close Main Street between Water and Mason Street on Monday, June 20, 2005 for the Oliver Wolcott RVT school graduation at the Warner Theater between the hours of 6:00 and 10:00 p.m.
AWARD: CRIME WATCH CAPTAIN #560
Chief Milano presented the Crime Watch Captain of the Year Award to Russell Masters. He was recognized for his consistent involvement and dedication to his Oak Avenue block watch.
Mr. Masters thanked Chief Milano and the Torrington Police Department for supporting their organization.
PRESENTATION OF TASERS #650
Chief Milano accepted a $795.00 donation from Glen Royals and
Dave Chanko, on behalf of the Litchfield County Antique Car Club, to
purchase tasers for the Police Department.
LETTER OF RETIREMENT: TAZZARA #720
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Pucino, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Gary Tazzara’s letter of retirement effective September 7, 2005.
COLLECTION AGENCY #730
Commissioner Pucino made a motion to approve Chief Milano’s request to use the same collection agency that collects delinquent parking tickets, to collect the delinquent extra duty bills totaling $28,561.59. Commissioner Colangelo seconded the motion.
After speaking with Corp. Counsel Vasko, Chief Milano amended his request to collect delinquent extra duty bills through Small Claims rather than use a collection agency.
Commissioner Pucino withdrew her motion. Commissioner Colangelo withdrew his second.
CONTINUE CANINE PROGRAM #800
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, a discussion took place in regard to the request to continue the Canine Program.
Chief Milano said he was certain that everyone was aware of the passing of Jeze, the department’s canine. He thought the Canine Program was worthwhile and urged the board to continue it. He further asked the board for the authority to ask for and accept public donations toward the project.
Mayor Quinn concurred with Chief Milano’s recommendation to continue the Canine Program. He pointed out that his office, as well as the Police Department, had received numerous requests from people wanting to make donations. If approval was given by the Board of Public Safety, he would instruct Chief Milano to meet with the Comptroller to see how such an account could be set up.
MOTION TO CONTINUE THE CANINE PROGRAM
Commissioner Colangelo made a motion to continue the Canine Program and to look into funding an account that could be used for training, veterinarian costs, and any unforseen costs that may arise. Commissioner Cook seconded the motion.
Mayor Quinn agreed that the Canine Division should continue. He said it was part of police work, and as such would not relieve the Board of Public Safety, the City Council, nor the Board of Finance from their financial obligations to make sure the program is fully funded. Donations were great; however, if they didn’t rise to the level that’s necessary, then it’s the responsibility of the three boards to financially see that it continues to be a reality and fully funded.
Commissioner Benedetto inquired when the next class would begin.
Chief Milano said it was his understanding that the next class would begin in September. He indicated that they needed to secure an animal and have him/her checked out physically before they could start the twelve-week program in September. He noted that Jeze was cross trained in general police work, tracking, and narcotics detection. Tracking may be part of the general police work, but narcotics is a separate certification program. It will take time to get the dog up to speed. The search to pick the best possible animal will begin immediately.
Commissioner Pucino inquired whether the twelve-week program included the officer as well. If so, who would that officer be?
Chief Milano indicated that the training would require the officer as well. He would get recommendations from people internally who were familiar with the requirements of both, the dog and the handler. The union contract does not specify a canine officer as a special assignment. He wants to be sure they choose the right person.
VOTE #995
On the same motion, the board voted unanimously to continue the Canine Program and to look into funding an account used for training, veterinarian costs, and any unforseen costs that may arise with the Canine Unit.
Tom Teti, 210 East Pearl Street, didn’t think the cost of purchasing the animal should come out of the Board of Public Safety’s budget. He suggested using contingency funds for the initial purchase of the animal. He also suggested starting a permanent committee of which he would like to be part of, to oversee a special account and raise funds. He pointed out that there’s a tremendous interest on the part of children when it comes to pets, and when the school session returns in the fall, they could tap that resource by encouraging students to become involved and to contribute their nickels and dimes as part of their investment in obtaining the canine.
With sufficient monies raised, a second and third dog could be added so that each shift could have their own. The funds could also pay for food, veterinary expenses and whatever else may be incurred.
If successful, the need to fund the program by the Board of Safety would not be necessary.
With three dogs representing the city, Torrington would have a better chance of providing mutual aid to surrounding towns. Neighboring communities will take an interest in this type of program. The animals may even work in conjunction with the State Police as well.
Again, Mr. Teti offered his services as a member of a said committee, should the city look favorably at his suggestion.
Mayor Quinn stated that it was the Board of Safety’s sentiment, as well as his and Chief Milano’s, to continue the Canine Program. Chief Milano and Mayor Quinn will be conferring with each other concerning the proper procedure to take. Everyone agreed that an animal should be purchased as soon as possible, and not wait for individual donations to do so. Contrary to Mr. Teti’s belief, Mayor Quinn did believe the program was part of the Board of Public Safety budget, since it concerned police work and, although he didn’t mind having help from the community or the press, the ultimate responsibility rests on the Police Department and the Board of Public Safety to make sure the canine is another weapon in the arsenal of public safety available through the police department.
Mayor Quinn stated that everyone agreed the Canine Division was good for police work and good for the community, and that it should continue. Chief Milano would be conferring with his department, assess their needs and come back to the Mayor and the Board of Public Safety. He thanked Mr. Teti for sharing his concern and comments.
COOLING TOWER: POLICE DEPT. #1330
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, a discussion took place in regard to the cooling tower situation at the Police Department.
Chief Milano informed the board that West State Mechanical, the city’s plumbing and heating vendor, recently did some routine maintenance work on the cooling tower and found that it was in need of repair. The holding tank has corroded so much that it was starting to fall apart. Three options to repair the unit were given with a price ranging from $15,000.00 to $40,000.00. Chief Milano and the Purchasing Agent met and contacted a facility technician familiar with heating and air-conditioning systems to inspect it and compare prices with West State Mechanical. The technician concluded that West State’s $15,000.00 proposal should work for a number of years, with a couple of additional modifications. Immediate action should take place because the computers in the building
cannot tolerate too much of a breakdown in the system.
Chief Milano and the Purchasing Agent decided that West State’s lowest proposal would be the best way to proceed. In order to do the repair, funds need to be shifted from one of their capital expenditures, the roof repair. That line item has more than $30,000.00 for an eventual roof replacement. If they were to use those funds, it would drain the line item by one half of the project funds.
Mayor Quinn stated that the shifting of funds from the roof line item in the Capital Expenditure Account to an emergency repair to the cooling tower would need approval by both the City Council and the Board of Finance.
MOTION #1515
Commissioner Pucino made a motion to recommend to the City Council and the Board of Finance to allow Chief Milano to transfer $15,000.00 from the Capital Expenditure Account to the cooling tower project.
Chief Milano informed the board that $15,000.00 was West State’s proposal; however, the independent technician suggested several modifications which he felt were important, that may add a couple thousand dollars to the $15,000.00.
Mayor Quinn stated that they were getting the Board of Public Safety’s approval in concept, to authorize Chief Milano to go to the necessary boards to effect the change of monies from his line items.
VOTE #1560
Commissioner Cook seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #1575
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s Report for April and May 2005.
DEPUTY CHIEF’S REPORT #1610
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board, after a brief discussion, voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s Report for April and May 2005.
Commissioner Benedetto inquired about the overall condition of Engine 5.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo stated it was twenty years old and at the end of its life expectancy in terms of its service to the city and the amount of use that it gets; however, Equipment Maintenance continues to repair it when necessary. A year ago, Equipment Maintenance considered Engine 2 and 5 to be back-up pieces. In effect, they are as much front line pieces as Engine 1 and 3. In terms of their service life, it’s day to day. They could go at any point or could last for a long time.
Mayor Quinn indicated that Engine 5 was being evaluated by the Fire Department as well as Vehicle Maintenance on a day to day basis each time it’s used. A valued decision is made every time a repair is needed as to whether it’s worth making the repair or it’s too catastrophic to go any further. As the vehicles are pushed out, there’s an understanding that they are being taxed and that means there needs to be more communication between Vehicle Maintenance and the Fire Department in evaluating those decisions.
The characterization that Mayor Quinn used as day to day is that Engine 5 is at its end of its life’s service to the City of Torrington. If we can make it go, we’ll certainly do so, but there are repairs that will be life ending for that vehicle and it could be pulled at that particular time. Continued discussion will take place between those two organizations. Safety, of course, will be the overriding issue.
Chief Field said they do their best to accommodate its age by using everything they possibly can before they use Engine 5. It’s common for that piece to make 300 to 500 runs a year, so it’s still a pretty well used vehicle in its present capacity.
Commissioner Benedetto said it seemed like the city was spending a lot of money on repairs.
Chief Field explained that parts were very hard to come by when they are 20 to 25 years old. That’s all factored into the cost of repairs.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo indicated that the engine has already been replaced in Engine 2. He thought the bonus part of the Vehicle Replacement Plan was to sell engines while they still had a value. The concept behind the plan was to continually rotate the equipment and recoup some money by selling them to outfits that don’t use them quite as often as they do.
FIRE MARSHAL #1850
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the reports from the Fire Marshal for April and May 2005.
TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT #1860
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the report from the Training Officer for April 2005.
INCIDENT REPORTS #1880
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Reports for April and May 2005.
RESIGNATION: SAMUEL GIZZIE #1890
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board recognized the resignation of Firefighter Samuel Gizzie effective May 14, 2005.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #1910
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Chief Milano reported that the Police Explorer’s would be holding a pasta supper at the Pedlar tomorrow evening beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Chief Milano publicly thanked Officer Gary Tazzara for his many years of service to the Torrington Police Department and wished him well.
Chief Field thanked firefighter Samuel Gizzie for the brief time he spent with the Torrington Fire Department and wished him well.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1960
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Pucino commended the Fire Department for doing a great job at the numerous fires in the past two months.
She commended Burrville for their Open House to show off their new addition. She thanked the Northend Association for their landscaping, and thanked the Antique Car Club for their donation toward the purchase of tasers for the Police Department.
She thanked the Police Department for sponsoring the Community Emergency Response Team Program. She commended Deputy Chief Giampaolo for doing a great job on the Memorial Day Parade.
She asked whether the Fire Department would be hiring a new employee to replace firefighter Gizzie.
Chief Field said he and Deputy Chief Giampaolo met with Mayor Quinn and they were putting the position on hold for the moment while they collected and reviewed some data.
ADJOURNMENT #2070
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:34 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
| 
