MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
AUGUST 9, 2006
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, August 9, 2006, in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, members of the Board of Public Safety Richard L. Zaharek, Douglas J. Benedetto, James E. Potter, Michael Colangelo, and Robert C. Zordan, Corporation Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, Police Chief Robert Milano, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Fire Chief John Field, and Emergency Management Coordinator Thomas Vannini.
Commissioner Christopher H. Cook, Deputy Police Chief Michael Maniago, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, Director of Operations at Campion Ambulance Fred Rosa, Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Roger Rougeot, Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Lawrence Dauphanais, and Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Aaron Picz were absent.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m., immediately following
a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Police & Firemens’ Pension Fund scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #770
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Glen Royals opposed the making of Calhoun Street a one-way street.
Daniel Griffith of MHQ (Municipal Supply of Boston), stated that his company was not being recommended as the recipient for the Police Uniform bid, even though his bid was the lowest one received.
Chief Milano said he had Officer Morris review the samples sent by Mr. Griffith and it was his opinion, along with the Purchasing Agent, that they did not meet the specifications that were needed. As a result, the Purchasing Agent rejected the bid.
Officer Morris went over some of the items which he felt didn’t meet the specifications.
Mr. Griffith felt the specs were not specific enough. He asked the board for the opportunity to have people actually look at the products which he submitted.
Chief Milano suggested that the board table the matter until he can talk with the Purchasing Agent to determine the validity of what came in for the bid versus the specifications.
CHIEF MILANO’S REPORT #1095
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Milano’s Report for July 2006.
ADD ITEM BY 2/3RDS VOTE #1110
Commissioner Potter requested adding an executive session by 2/3rds vote under Personnel, Police Department. Commissioner Colangelo seconded the motion. Unanimous.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #1130
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board went into Executive Session at 7:34 p.m. under Personnel: Police Department. Chief Milano was invited.
OPEN SESSION #1145
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to reconvene the Open Session at 8:00 p.m.
PROMOTION OF OFFICER HUMBERTO HENRIQUES #1170
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto the Board voted unanimously to promote Humberto Henriques to the position of Detective, effective August 10, 2006.
PROMOTION OF OFFICER KEITH DABLAIN #1180
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the Board voted unanimously to promote Officer Keith Dablain to the position of Detective, effective August 10, 2006.
Mayor Bingham swore in both newly appointed Detectives.
RAFAEL FIGUEIRAL: REGULAR MEMBER OF POLICE DEPARTMENT #1370
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Rafael Figueiral as a regular member of the Torrington Police Department after having successfully completed his probationary period on August 1, 2006.
POLICE UNIFORM BID #1390
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to table the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to award the bid entitled “Police Uniforms” to the only bidder meeting all bid specifications and the city’s current supplier, New England Uniforms of Danbury, CT for $28,746.00 for the regular bid list items and up to $10,625.00 of optional bid list items. (See #770).
EAST ALBERT STREET #1420
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to approve a 25-MPH Speed Limit on East Albert Street.
HILL STREET #1440
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to approve a 25-MPH Speed Limit on Hill Street.
PERKINS STREET #1455
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to approve a 25-MPH Speed Limit on Perkins Street.
JOHN BROWN ROAD #1470
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation to seek a permit from the State Traffic Commission to approve a 30-MPH Speed Limit on John Brown Road.
CALHOUN STREET #1560
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, a discussion took place in regard to Officer Shopey’s recommendation not to change any portion of Calhoun Street to one way, and not to return the parking space where one once existed on Main Street, south of its intersection with Calhoun Street.
Attorney Joseph Gallicchio spoke on behalf of his client John Falzone, specifically relating to the parking meter on Main Street which was removed. He noted that the exact same issue came before this board on November 14, 2001 whereby the same parking space was removed. The board later reinstated the parking space.
Atty. Gallicchio admitted there is congestion in the area of Main and Calhoun, but very little has to do with the site line coming out of Calhoun. He reviewed the police reports from all the accidents occurring in the vicinity of Calhoun Street for the years 2004, 2005, and 2006. Sixteen accidents occurred; three involved the site line.
Atty. Gallicchio noted that Mr. Falcone was being inconvenienced by having only two parking spaces for four store fronts on Main Street.
Commissioner Zordan suggested tabling the matter.
Commissioner Potter didn’t think there was enough evidence to justify the removal of the parking meter. He said his packet included a report that noted 26 accidents occurring in that area since 2001.
Officer Shopey indicated that 25% of the accidents involved vehicles turning. In addition, neighbors agree that there is a significant increase in the line of sight and it’s easier to exit the street since the parking space was removed. The State Traffic Commission agreed with Officer Shopey that the meter should be removed.
Officer Shopey noted, since there was a known problem, it was his belief that corrective action should take place. He suggested eliminating the meter for a short period of time on a trial basis to see if accidents decrease.
Commissioner Colangelo suggested that Planning & Zoning should be approached about an alternate traffic pattern coming out of Torrington Savings.
Officer Shopey said he could ask the DOT to investigate the matter and make recommendations and he would bring that information to this board. Making Calhoun Street one-way will have a huge effect on the neighbors, and a right turn only wouldn’t eliminate accidents because the cars on Main Street are coming from the left.
Commissioner Zaharek suggested a sign saying “Use extreme caution in making a left hand turn,” or installing a flashing light.
Officer Shopey said that may be the route to take if they are unable to correct the problem. However, installing an “extreme caution” sign admits liability at a dangerous intersection.
Commissioner Zaharek was reluctant to set a precedence in extending the 25-foot minimum limit to 44 feet at the corner of a street.
Officer Shopey said the standard limit was “No less than 25 feet.”
Mayor Bingham agreed that Officer Shopey should involve the Department of Transportation and he could furnish that information to the board once it’s available.
Commissioner Colangelo asked to involve Planning and Zoning.
Commissioner Zordan said he would like to see all 26 accident reports.
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted to table the matter, with the exception of Commissioners Zaharek and Potter who opposed. On a 3-2 vote, the motion to table carried.
COMMUNICATION LETTER #2980
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s Monthly Communication letter for July 2006.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #3010
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s Report for July 2006.
Chief Field reported that Firefighter Phil Hearn is doing well after injuring his hand while performing a weekly check on Engine 3.
DEPUTY CHIEF’S REPORT #3130
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s Report for July 2006.
Chief Field reported repairs to the back wall will take place. Originally, the work was estimated at $3,400.00. More extensive work, expected to cost an additional $6,100.00, will be investigated further.
Commissioner Potter didn’t think it was practical to purchase a new body for the ten-year-old utility truck that is not adequate for their needs. It would make more sense to work this into the Vehicle Replacement Plan and get something more adequate.
Chief Field indicated when this matter comes forward to be reviewed, he will certainly furnish the board with comparison costs for a new vehicle versus upgrading the old one. He’s certain the Fleet Manager will assist him with those details.
Commissioner Benedetto questioned the paint report on Engine 1 and 3 and inquired about the mechanics of the engines.
Chief Field stated that the engines are checked continually by the Fire Department, and issues are forwarded to Equipment Maintenance. They make the recommendation to go outside if they are unable to make the proper safety decisions and repairs. Chief Field was certain that a company could come in to perform a safety inspection of vehicles if the city was willing to pay the price.
Commissioner Benedetto thought the city should have the engines thoroughly inspected.
Chief Field said he would strongly consider that the Equipment Maintenance people are part of that discussion because it may become a labor issue. The Fire Department has faith in Equipment Maintenance and they do a very good job.
The recent incident to Firefighter Hearn is being investigated. This investigation will determine what kind of inspection should be performed on this type of mechanism. If the Fire Department and Equipment Maintenance aren’t doing enough, it will come out in the investigation and they’ll address that issue. They will do whatever they need to keep accidents like that one from happening again. Chief Field informed the board that Officer Shopey was part of the investigating team and is assisting the training officer. The board will receive a full report when it’s available.
Commissioner Benedetto said his concern was that other pieces in service have the same mechanism as Engine 3.
Chief Field said Vehicle Equipment was brought in immediately to do a thorough inspection of that mechanism. Based on their observation and inspection, everything seemed to be fine.
TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT TAPE #2 #035
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept the Training Officer’s Report for July 2006.
FIRE MARSHAL’S REPORT #040
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal’s Report for July 2006.
INCIDENT REPORT #055
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for July 2006.
RESCUE TOOLS #070
Chief Field said he wanted the board to have the opportunity to look at the specs for Rescue Tools for the Fire Department. He noted that they were looking to replace the entire complement of tools because they are 15 to 17 years old and their reliability and serviceability is becoming an issue.
No vote was necessary.
EMS PROVIDER ACTIVITY REPORT #190
Director of Operations at Campion Ambulance Fred Rosa was on vacation and his report was not available.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COOR.’S REPORT #205
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Coordinator’s Report for June & July 2006.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #240
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Chief Milano stated that the DARE Car Show was scheduled for Friday night at 5:30.
Six candidates for police officers are scheduled to be interviewed.
Chief Field thanked Lt. Maurice Theeb for his years of service and wished him well.
He informed the Board that they will be starting the promotion process in the near future. Also, he noted that the Fire Department had a 56% reduction in sick leave during the first six months of 2006.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #320
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Mayor Bingham and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Mayor Bingham and the entire board thanked Lt. Maurice Theeb for his many years of employment with the Torrington Fire Department. They also wished Firefighter Hearn a quick recovery.
Commissioner Benedetto asked where the Fire Department stood with personnel.
Mayor Bingham said he, Chief Field and Personnel Director Tom Gritt were unable to determine whether they would be sacrificing the safety of the city if there was a fire, by not replacing firefighters at this time. He said he made a decision not to hire at this time. He assured the board that additional staff will be hired immediately if it becomes an issue and affects the safety of the city.
There was a brief discussion in regard to manpower, savings, and overtime from not replacing three positions.
Chief Field stated that any reduction in staff has a cost, repercussions and consequences, but the department has been without two positions for a year and they are getting the job done.
Commissioner Benedetto asked for an update on traffic and speeding.
Chief Milano said they devised a plan to use as many shift resources as possible on any shift that’s operating at the time, in conjunction with the DWI Program. It was his belief that they were doing satisfactory enforcement. The total traffic violations in the past month were 655. The resources per shift are somewhat fragile due to vacations, NIMS training, medical leave, etc.
Commissioner Benedetto inquired about the intersection on Water Street at Stop & Shop, and the East Main Street intersection at WalMart and McDonald’s. He asked Officer Shopey to report on how many accidents occurred at the WalMart intersection.
Commissioner Benedetto commended the detectives for doing a good job in narcotics.
Commissioner Benedetto thanked Officer Shopey for expediting the boot.
Commissioner Potter requested an update on the dispatch center.
Chief Milano indicated that bid proposals were available and he will be meeting with the Purchasing Agent and commissioners to review the cost.
Commissioner Potter inquired whether Chief Milano and Chief Field were ready to meet with him and Commissioner Colangelo to brainstorm how their departments could reduce some of the costs to the city’s taxpayers.
Commissioner Zordan asked for an update on the pilot program with Campion.
Chief Field said the call volume hasn’t been extraordinary and everything they’ve worked on together has been excellent.
Commissioner Zordan stated that he was on the personnel committee for the Police Department and will excuse himself from the next round because of a conflict of interest.
ADJOURNMENT #1320
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:25 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
| 
