MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
JANUARY 11, 2006
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, January 11, 2006, in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, members of the Board of Public Safety Christopher H. Cook, Richard L. Zaharek, Douglas J. Benedetto, James E. Potter, Michael Colangelo, and Robert C. Zordan, Corporation Counsel Al Vasko, Police Chief Robert Milano, Deputy Police Chief Michael Maniago, 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 Roger Rougeot.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
MINUTES #080
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the special meeting held December 14, 2005.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #090
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Yvonne Dziedzic, 85 East Albert Street, expressed a desire to speak in regard to Item #4.
RE-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #110
Commissioner Colangelo made a motion to re-open the meeting to the public after Item #4. (Fees on impound lot.) Commissioner Cook seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Michael Barbero, 148 Turnbull Road, New Hartford, proprietor of Memories on Main on Water Street informed the board that a window was shattered at his place of business as a result of an incident that took place between an officer and one of his patrons. He felt the city should replace the window because the actions that caused the window to break involved a police officer.
Chief Milano indicated that he did not find anything in the initial report that would prompt the city to compensate Mr. Barbero for the window. However, the internal part of the investigation was ongoing, and if things change, he will consult with the City Attorney on any claims issue.
Mr. Barbero said he had a witness who would be willing to make a statement.
Chief Milano asked Mr. Barbero to furnish him with the witness’ name and he would pass it on to the supervisor conducting the investigation. Chief Milano stated, the police department has no desire to do any wrong to anyone, but it was his opinion that they couldn’t accept claims for property damage during an arrest if the situation was prompted by the suspect. When the investigation is complete, he will review the facts with the city attorney for an opinion.
Deputy Police Chief Maniago introduced several individuals who donated toward the purchase of Brody, the new police canine. They are Mr. & Mrs. Edward Pasko, Mr. Henry Poll, Mrs. Rose Alfano, and Mr. & Mrs. Greg DeMichiel.
Chief Milano introduced Brody and his handler, Officer Justin Deloy.
REPORT ON MONK ARREST #410
Chief Milano stated that he reviewed the Monk arrest report and found no reason to justify an internal investigation. The issue was an adult probation case and not one of their own cases. (See December 2005 Board of Safety minutes for more details on the matter.)
REPORT ON FEES FROM IMPOUND LOT #460
Chief Milano stated that a staff member spoke to the State’s Attorney’s Office and he personally spoke with the statewide lead examiner who seizes property and no one had fundamental issues with charging fees. Therefore, Chief Milano’s opinion was that charging fees under our administrative structure was legitimate. The only issue remaining is that there has to be some sort of appeals process.
Corp. Counsel Vasko said he drafted an amendment to the police department policy in regard to the impounded vehicles. The appeals process will be similar to the one on towing vehicles and the Mayor will need to appoint a hearing officer for that function.
RE-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #505
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to re-open the meeting to the public.
Yvonne Dziedzik asked the board if they were aware of a class action suit against the city of Waterbury on the same issue of impound fees.
Chief Milano was aware of a class action suit against Waterbury. However, the facts of that case were somewhat different in that they involved the storage of cars in parking garages versus our city owned impound lot.
Corp. Counsel Vasko informed Ms. Dziedzic that she will be able to appeal her case once the procedure is set up. Perhaps withing 30 days.
CHIEF MILANO’S REPORT #640
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Milano’s Report for December 2005.
MARTIN LUTHER KING PARADE #650
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission for the Martin Luther King remembrance parade to be held on Monday, January 16, 2006 beginning at 11 a.m. with roadway closures beginning at 10:45 a.m. and a rain/snow date of January 22, 2006, beginning at 2:30 p.m.
REVIEW: BRIGHTWOOD AVENUE #750
Officer Shopey reported he did not receive any complaints’s about removing the “No Parking between 7 AM and 5 PM” signs on Brightwood Avenue between Jones Street and Winthrop Street until today when he got a call from a contractor with a concern about the possibility of not being able to bring a modular home through the area.
Officer Shopey recommended no further action for one month so he could investigate this concern.
HIRE CONSULTANT: COMMUNICATION NEEDS #800
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to hire a consultant for a proposal to determine future Public Safety communication needs.
Chief Milano stated that the city has finally reached the point of having a centralized public safety dispatch center for police, fire and the E.M.S. Through contract negotiations, civilian dispatchers are now allowed. Since he didn’t know of anyone already employed by the City of Torrington with the expertise to put all these components together, he thought it would be in the best interest of the city to hire a consultant.
Chief Milano indicated that he has an excess of $40,000.00 in his capital expenditure account dedicated to the dispatch center upgrades, and he thought a consultant would fall into this category. He was looking for direction from the board as to whether or not they wanted him to research the matter with CCM in terms of who would be available and cost projections.
Commissioner Colangelo made a motion to table the matter.
Chief Milano stated that a consultant would be the basis for grant funding proposals.
Fire Chief Field stated that he was in favor of moving forward with
this particular study.
Commissioner Zordan thought the bid process could get started.
Commissioner Potter felt they had to be certain that Chief Milano’s funds would be used properly.
More information would be available for the next meeting.
VOTE #1050
Commissioner Potter seconded the previous motion to table. Unanimous.
BOOTING POLICY #1060
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, a discussion took place to consider adopting a vehicle booting policy for vehicles with delinquent parking tickets.
Chief Milano said he submitted a draft policy on amending the policy for booting vehicles to Corp. Counsel Vasko. Upon his review of the proposed wheel immobilization device general order, it was his opinion that it was in compliance with the city ordinance relative to that issue. An appeals process will be built into the amendment as well.
Officer Shopey noted that outstanding parking tickets totaled approximately $300,000.00 at this time.
Chief Milano indicated that the department had already purchased six boots at a cost of $200.00 each.
Commissioner Potter asked about the collection agency that was hired a while back. Officer Shopey said it wasn’t successful and only collected approximately $5,000.00. He is looking at a new software program through the Tax Collector’s office that would allow them to communicate with the Motor Vehicle Department.
Chief Milano stated the process would begin as soon as possible. Publicity will take place to encourage those with outstanding tickets to pay their fines.
Corp. Counsel Vasko said it will be final once it’s approved by the board.
ADOPT THE POLICY #1300
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to adopt the vehicle booting policy amendment.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #1301
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s Report for December 2005.
DEPUTY CHIEF GIAMPAOLO’S REPORT #1335
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s Report for December 2005.
TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT #1350
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept the Training Officer’s Report for December 2005.
FIRE MARSHAL’S REPORT #1360
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal’s Report for December 2005.
INCIDENT REPORT #1380
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for December 2005.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #1400
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell indicated that the gas card situation for the volunteers remained unresolved and asked for an update. Each volunteer department was still short by two.
Mayor Bingham suggested that Chief Cornell meet with the Superintendent of Streets, and come up with a resolution to go before the City Council.
Chief Cornell said he could have Ralph Monscheine, Chairman of the Fire Service Coordination Committee, write a request to the City Council.
Secondly, Chief Cornell noted that they had attracted a few new members, some with experience. It was his belief that the tax abatement for volunteers adopted several years ago has not necessarily attracted new volunteers, but certainly retained them.
Chief Cornell informed the board that his department had spent almost $10,000.00 repairing vehicles during the last 45 days. Burrville and Drakeville were in the same predicament in terms of aging vehicles. He hoped the new administration would take a fresh look at the vehicle replacement policy.
Mayor Bingham indicated that he has been talking with Mike Michaud about vehicle replacement, specifically for the volunteers. However, he will require more time to research and understand the entire situation.
Chief Field informed the board that the new truck they received from the State of Connecticut was now on line and is starting to serve its purpose.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1920
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Bingham and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Colangelo asked for an update on the request for guard rails in front of the Illustra hair salon on East Main Street.
Officer Shopey indicated that Newington was suppose to investigate it. He will give them a call in the morning.
Several Commissioners congratulated Chief Field for his appointment by Governor Jodie Rell to serve a two-year term on the State Emergency Response Commission.
Commissioner Zordan noted the positive feedback which the Fire Department was getting and inquired whether they received any negative feedback.
Chief Field stated that negative feedback, if any, would also be included in the packets.
Chief Milano indicated that any complaint letters would routinely be evaluated for the purpose of conducting internal investigations, and if they do cause an investigation to be initiated, they would become part of that file.
Commissioner Zordan noted that issues arose in the past between Campion Ambulance, the Fire Department, and the city, and, seeing that Campion is part of public safety, he asked if someone could represent Campion at these meetings in order to have direct communication.
Mayor Bingham said he had no problem with that request.
Commissioner Benedetto thought that fell under the jurisdiction of the City Council.
Mayor Bingham stated that an Oversight Committee would be appointed in the near future and that a representative from this board would be asked to serve on it. Perhaps, if Campion preferred not to attend the Board of Safety meetings, someone from the Oversight Committee could report back to this board on what was happening at Campion.
Commissioner Cook agreed with Commissioner Zordan about the negative / positive feedback and asked the Chiefs to give the board a “heads up” on any incoming complaints.
Commissioner Benedetto asked Chief Field if he had plans on bringing the Fire Department up to full staff since they we’re down by two or three men.
Chief Field indicated that they were in the process of working on a new hiring procedure that will not cost the city any money. He will meet with the Board of Public Safety’s Personnel Committee and perhaps before the full board at their next meeting.
Commissioner Benedetto inquired about the training by police officers because the shooting range in Winsted was closed.
Chief Milano reported that Winsted had Union issues and that a consultant was hired to evaluate the range, make improvements, and address potential DEP violations. Torrington is currently training at the Waterbury range when it’s available and has had some use of a facility in Granby. Chief Milano explained that they had a round of mandatory qualifications scheduled in the spring and they are delayed with their low light qualifications that extended from the fall because of the problems with the range.
Chief Milano also stated that he has spoken with Marty Connor from Planning & Zoning in regard to some interest in developing a commercial enterprise, a range for profit, on some land in the area of Southworth’s Furniture. There are other proposals in the city for an indoor range. However, that would have limitations because their patrol rifles need a longer range for practicing qualifications. It’s an issue that’s causing him some concern, but they are maintaining their training requirements relative to firearms as best they can.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if there was a cost associated with using the range in other towns. Chief Milano indicated that there isn’t a charge at the present time. They contribute instructors when requested to do so, and make a yearly contribution to a regional training facility that is operated by Waterbury. The training captain in Waterbury works closely with us, and is very helpful. They are very cooperative with their range when it’s not in use.
Mayor Bingham asked the board if they would like to continue the practice of assigning several commissioners to subcommittees to go over the Police and Fire department budgets.
Commissioner Zordan reported that the volunteers haven’t had a chance to present their budgets before this board in the past few years and welcomed a chance to do that in the upcoming budget.
Commissioner Cook indicated that a subcommittee was set up last year to go over the volunteer’s budgets.
Commissioner Potter said, per City Charter, the Board of Public Safety has no jurisdiction over the volunteer’s budgets, other than to support their requests or make recommendations. They could listen to what they had to say, but it would be in their best interest to present their budgets to the City Council.
Chief Field corroborated the fact that the volunteers would like the opportunity to present their budgets to this board.
Mayor Bingham indicated that he had made appointments to the various subcommittees and would supply them with a list.
Mayor Bingham inquired about the Apparatus Committee.
Chief Field indicated that he would forward to him all the material he had on that particular committee.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #1550
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session at 8:38 p.m., under Personnel and Contract Negotiations: Police Department.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by James Potter, seconded by Robert Zordan, the board went into Open Session at 9:39 p.m.
On a motion by Christopher Cook, seconded by Robert Zordan, the board voted to adjourn at 9:39 p.m.
ALBERT G. VASKO
Corporation Counsel
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