MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DECEMBER 13, 2006
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, December 13, 2006, in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, Board of Public Safety Commissioners Richard L. Zaharek, Douglas, J. Benedetto, James E. Potter, Michael Colangelo (arrived at 7:08 p.m.), and Robert C. Zordan, Corporation Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, Police Chief Robert Milano, Deputy Police Chief Michael Maniago, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Fire Chief John Field, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Lawrence Dauphanais, Dennis Tanner, representative from Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department, Emergency Management Coordinator Thomas Vannini, and Director of Operations at Campion Ambulance Fred Rosa. Christopher H. Cook (arrived at approximately 7:20 p.m. and went directly into executive session which started at 7:15 p.m.) Absent was Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Roger
Rougeot.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ADD TO AGENDA: EXECUTIVE SESSION #050
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to add an item (#5A) to the agenda and by 2/3rds vote in regard to an executive session under Personnel: Fire Department - Lt.’s Promotion.
MINUTES #090
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held November 8, 2006, and the minutes of the special meeting held November 27, 2006.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #100
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Matthew Cornell, 5 Heritage Way, requested meeting in the near future with Chief Milano, Deputy Chief Maniago, and members of the Police Sub Committee to discuss the process of hiring for the position of Police Officer in the City of Torrington.
Chief Milano said he would like to consult with the City Attorney prior he partaking in such a meeting.
Mayor Bingham asked Mr. Cornell to leave his phone number with the City Clerk.
CHIEF MILANO’S REPORT #150
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Milano’s Report for November 2006.
METERS ON CENTER STREET #160
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, a discussion took place in regard to removing all meters on Center Street.
Officer Shopey maintained his previous recommendation to leave the meters presently located between East Main and East Center Street and to remove the meters from East Center Street to Franklin, which has already been done.
Commissioners Potter and Zordan voted in favor of the motion to remove all meters on Center Street. Commissioners Zaharek and Benedetto opposed. On a 2-2 tie vote, Mayor Bingham opposed the motion. The motion failed.
PRIVATE PROPERTY ACCIDENTS #200
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, a discussion took place in regard to the Police Department eliminating investigating private property accidents. (Tabled on 11/8/06.)
Chief Milano stated that the Police Department’s effectiveness and usefulness during private property accidents are minimal, at best, since the officers don’t determine who is at fault. He felt he could be committing his resources to better use. However, if such an accident involves DWI, hit and run, or injuries, the Police Department can obviously be involved. If the board wishes, an officer can be sent to the call to ascertain its seriousness, and once that’s determined, provide those involved in the accident with forms so they can exchange information with each other.
Commissioner Colangelo arrived at 7:08 p.m.
Commissioner Benedetto asked Chief Milano if areas like Arbor Ridge were considered private property.
Chief Milano said that would be considered a private road and would come under the same ruling, since there is no enforcement capacity on private property.
Commissioner Benedetto asked Chief Milano who would determine whether or not a cruiser was sent to the scene.
Chief Milano said, “This is a question for discussion, I guess. How far do you want us to go before we back out and we find out that it’s a minor accident?” He reiterated that, if the board preferred to try it for a period of time, they could initially respond, determine the severity of the accident, and if it’s nothing that they have any roll in, provide them with forms to facilitate the transferring of information.
Commissioner Potter suggested going half way: eliminate the parking lot accidents but continue to respond to accidents in areas like Arbor Ridge or a condominium complex.
MOTION #475
Commissioner Potter made a motion that the Police Department discontinue responding to private property parking lot accidents but continue to respond to private residential roadway accidents. Commissioner Zaharek seconded the motion. Commissioners Zaharek, Potter and Zordan voted in favor of the motion. Commissioners Benedetto and Colangelo opposed the motion. On a 3-2 vote, the motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #510
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to go into executive session at 7:15 p.m. under Personnel: Fire Department.
Commissioner Cook arrived at approximately 7:20 p.m., and went directly into executive session.
OPEN SESSION #530
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to reconvene into Open Session at 7:34 p.m.
ADD TO AGENDA #530
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to add an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote, #5B, to promote a firefighter to the position of Lieutenant, effective Sunday, December 17, 2006.
Mayor Bingham noted that the four candidates brought before the Personnel Sub Committee of the Fire Department were all great candidates and would perform the job exceptionally. He was certain the names of the other three will be seen once again for promotion in the near future.
PROMOTION #570
Commissioner Potter made a motion to promote Firefighter Michael Zavatkay
to the position of Lieutenant, effective Sunday, December 17, 2006. Commissioner Zaharek seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Mayor Bingham administered the oath of office to the newly promoted Lieutenant Michael Zavatkay.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #650
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s Report for November 2006.
DEPUTY CHIEF GIAMPAOLO’S REPORT #660
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board, after a brief discussion concerning the boat trailer, voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s Report for November 2006.
FIRE MARSHAL’S REPORT #760
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal’s Report for November 2006.
TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT #770
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the Training Officer’s Report for November 2006.
INCIDENT REPORT #780
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for November 2006.
CITY FUNDED VOLUNTEER VEHICLE REPLACEMENT POLICY #800
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the City Funded Volunteer Vehicle Replacement Policy and referred it to the Board of Councilmen.
Commissioner Colangelo said he liked the way the policy clearly stated that Torrington retains ownership and control of the vehicles should anything happen to the fire companies. He inquired whether the old policy included the same statement.
Mayor Bingham said no. The City Council specified that Torrington would retain ownership when they made a motion to approve the budgetary item.
Commissioner Potter indicated the volunteers still had a budget line item that was funded to help them buy equipment through the Fire Service Coordination Committee.
Mayor Bingham said the Fire Service Coordination Committee has the ability to encumber funds should they decide not to utilize funds available during a certain year.
Commissioner Cook inquired about the policy’s last paragraph “This document shall remain in full force and effect until modified. This document can only be revised and modified biannually (non-election year) with the advice and consent of the Board of Public Safety and the Board of Councilmen”.
Commissioner Potter said Councilor Jerram wanted that paragraph included in the policy because he didn’t want it to be used as a political tool.
Commissioner Cook said “I still don’t know what the difference would be on a political year verses a non-political year. It didn’t make a whole lot of sense, you’re either going to have a right to change it or not, and I’m not sure, if you want to say ‘biannually’, say ‘biannually’, not election year”.
Mayor Bingham said he didn’t think it was meant for political reasons but rather to clarify which year it should be looked at again.
Commissioner Cook said he thought the document was pretty explicit. He noted that the volunteers were going to have to buy into this document as well.
Mayor Bingham said the Council felt this was the best way to spend those funds. The volunteers’ main concern during the budget process was apparatus costs and this was the Council’s way of addressing the issue.
Commissioner Potter added that it was a way of protecting the investment into the system.
EMS PROVIDER ACTIVITY REPORT #965
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report from Campion for November 2006.
Mr. Rosa reported that their participation with the Fire Department was working extremely well. He assured the board they will address any issue that may come up.
Chief Field agreed everything was working well. He said Campion had been very good about calling the Fire Department if and when they are needed. The EMS Oversight Committee continues to monitor the type of calls and responses. If in the future there is a need for additional response, it will be addressed.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR’S REPORT #1155
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Coordinator’s Report for November 2006.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about the weather station.
Mr. Vannini indicated that the purchase of a computerized weather station to monitor the air was approved by Homeland Security. The city will pay for it up front and get reimbursed.
Commissioner Potter asked Mr. Vannini what type of equipment was being purchased through Homeland Security.
Mr. Vannini indicated that a generator was ordered for City Hall. The Public Notification System will be upgraded and enhanced. A secure, wireless network will be installed to the lap tops purchased at the end of ‘04 for the Operations Center. They are presently negotiation with AT&T for the devices. Engineering will be getting a plotter and approval from the state has already been received to enhance their GIS Software. Mr. Vannini is also looking at getting additional generators and an upgrade to the Operational Center, and money is being put aside to purchase supplies for the new Pet Shelter.
Mayor Bingham commended Mr. Vannini for his efforts throughout the year.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #1280
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Chief Milano indicated that he and Deputy Chief Maniago will be attending the winter meeting of the Connecticut Chief’s Association and several new officers will be recognized for academic performance at the academy. Officer Andrea
Closson will receive the Samuel J. Luciano Award for academic excellence during her term at the academy.
Chief Milano reported that they were advised by their heating and air conditioning contractor that the heating system at the Police Department has a substantial amount of mold. After consulting with the Director of Public Works and Thomas Gritt, who serves as the city’s safety and health committee chairman, it was decided to seek the help of CONN-OSHA and do some quality testing in their building. Chief Milano will keep the board abreast of the situation.
Chief Milano asked Commissioner Colangelo if he had received a comprehensive report on sexual offenders at his address.
Commissioner Colangelo said he requested different possibilities. The report that was delivered to him included a number of questions rather than solutions. He expressed his disappointment with the report because of the lack of its content. Instead of making suggestions, i.e., They could post a written print out at City Hall, They could notify neighborhood watches, They could link it to the city’s web site, the report was a rambling diatribe of What’s it going to cost? Who is going to do this? How many people will it take? He noted that the report was insulting to read.
Chief Milano said he thought the cost factor was a major concern to Commissioner Colangelo.
Commissioner Colangelo said he wanted solutions.
Chief Milano asked “What is the concern so that, maybe, I can have a better understanding of that?”
Commissioner Colangelo indicated that several people had approached him on the matter and there was no mechanism in place aside from going to the internet. He pointed out that many people are not internet savvy. What he was looking for was practices from other towns, what they’re doing, why they are doing it, understanding full well that there is a liability with something like this. He thought there were easy fixes to serve the public, i.e. a printed list posted at City Hall, the Registrar’s Office, the Fire Department, updated every month.
Commissioner Colangelo asked Chief Milano to take another look at the matter.
Chief Milano said he will.
Commissioner Cook also expressed his disappointment with the manner in which the report was written.
Chief Milano apologized if the report insulted the intelligence of any board members. His impression was that the board was concerned about the impact and cost of performing personal one-on-one notifications. He will make certain the report is corrected and alternative solutions are explored and offered to the board.
Chief Field notified the board that the Ordinance Committee, in coordination with the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Building Department, will review his proposed Fee Schedule and Vacant Building Ordinances. State Legislators will also be approached in regard to the Vacant Building Ordinance to see if a State Statute is in order.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo thanked those responsible for making downtown Torrington and Coe Park so lovely for the holidays.
Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Dauphanias noted that the volunteers
were aware that the Vehicle Replacement Policy was forthcoming; however,
they were unaware of the document’s content and asked that each volunteer
department be furnished with a copy so they can review and discuss it
during their next Fire Service Coordination Committee meeting.
Dennis Tanner, representative from Drakeville, stated that his department will be forming a Truck Committee after the first of the year to replace their old tanker. They will also be purchasing some 1 3/4" hose to replace the crawl space section on their first line of defense, Engine 35.
Fred Rosa, Director of Campion Ambulance notified the board that the state had recently passed a document concerning notification during mass gatherings. He noted that the Police, Fire and Ambulance in Torrington always worked well together in terms of notification, no matter what the event was.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1775
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Mayor Bingham and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Benedetto inquired about the Sector Plan at the Police Department.
Deputy Chief Maniago indicated that they would make a presentation in January.
Commissioner Benedetto inquired whether there were two lanes at the intersection of Winsted Road and Kennedy Drive.
Officer Shopey indicated that the shoulder was widened and there’s only one lane. Discussions have been held about widening the road, but the stream is an issue. However, alterations and improvements may occur with the coming of Lowes and Big Y.
Commissioner Benedetto suggested enforcement at that intersection.
Commissioner Benedetto inquired about hiring for the Fire Department.
Chief Field indicated that fifty five applications were received for the two positions and that the written test will be given during the first week in January. He expressed his concern in regard to the few applications received and the fact that several people told him they weren’t aware the Fire Department was hiring.
Commissioner Benedetto inquired about the east side fire protection.
Chief Field indicated they would start working on that after the first of the year.
Commissioner Zaharek asked for an update on the restructuring of the Police Department and inquired about the hiring process.
Chief Milano said the restructuring was contingent upon a rank structure which was removed from the budget. Even if the board desired to resurrect the issue and establish the required rank necessary for his plan, he would be fearful to move forward because the funds that are considered surplus in the regular wage account at this time, that would pay for that extra rank, are needed to cover for the shortfall in eight non producing positions, or nearly 10% of his sworn work force which is not producing anything. The best thing to do would be to wait for the new budget.
Chief Milano spoke briefly about the lock down that occurred at the Middle School.
Commissioner Cook commended Officer Deloy and Brodie for locating a
loaded rifle at a camp illegally set up on private property.
Chief Milano informed the board that Brodie will be cross trained in narcotic detection in the near future.
Commissioner Zordan requested an update on the central dispatch.
Asst. City Clerk Joline LeBlanc indicated that the Purchasing Agent was in the process of scheduling four vendors to come in on two separate occasions in January to make their presentations to the City Council, the Board of Finance and the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Colangelo asked Officer Shopey about the parking meters in front of the Torrington Savings Bank.
Officer Shopey indicated that the state went against their own recommendation to remove all meters in the area and their official recommendation to the State Traffic Commissioner concurs with the city’s recommendation to remove one meter only. The hearing was postponed to January 18th.
Commissioner Potter noted from the report he had in front of him that there didn’t seem to be too much of a problem on Calhoun Street compared to what the residents made it sound like.
Officer Shopey said “It does not appear so.”
EXECUTIVE SESSION #2485
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to go into executive session at 8:25 p.m. under Personnel: Fire Department. Chief Field and Deputy Chief Giampaolo were invited to attend the executive session.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to reconvene into Open Session.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to adjourn.
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