MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
APRIL 11, 2007
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, 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, and Michael Colangelo, 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, Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Maccalous, Personnel Director Thomas Gritt and the City’s Labor Counsel Atty. Victor Muschell. Commissioner Robert C. Zordan, Emergency Management Coordinator Thomas Vannini, Director of Operations at Campion Ambulance Fred Rosa, and Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Roger Rougeot were absent.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MINUTES #020
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held March 14, 2007.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #030
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Al Bakunis, 21 Miller Street, reported that people were still parking at the end of Red Mountain Avenue.
Officer Shopey indicated that extra patrols have been in the area.
Chief Milano added that the area is checked repeatedly and seven parking tickets have been issued.
Mr. Bakunis stated that one of the tickets was issued at 1:00 p.m. for overnight parking, and another was for a parking violation in a “restricted area,” which he and the Police Department had no idea what that meant.
Chief Milano said he’d follow up on it.
Peter Kot, Hillandale Boulevard, reported that his neighbor was parking a tractor trailer on his street for several days at a time. Mr. Kot and his neighbors feel it’s a safety issue because it takes up half the width of the road where children play, and it’s creating a blight situation.
Mr. Kot said he understood there was no specific ordinance prohibiting the parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas, and asked the board to pursue such an ordinance to eliminate this kind of problem. He furnished the board with a number of ordinances from different towns that the City of Torrington could use as examples.
Neighbors, as well as police officers, have spoken with the owner of the tractor trailer about the situation. Someone have also called his employer.
Officer Shopey indicated that he spoke with the residents as well as the driver of the truck. After inspecting the truck, he found no safety concerns. The roadway is wide enough to support parking the truck as well as two-way traffic, and the truck is not causing any view obstructions.
Mr. Kot further explained that there were only two ways to exit the subdivision onto Torringford Street, and none of the cul-de-sacs are wide enough for the driver to turn around, forcing him to back into a side street to make his turns.
Tony Delmonico, Hillandale Boulevard, said he asked Officer Shopey to visit the area at 8:30 a.m. when the school bus comes down the street. The area is a young neighborhood with many children playing outside and he doesn’t feel it’s the place to park a 53 foot tractor trailer for days at a time.
Louis Sheldon, Hillandale Boulevard, noted that the truck was degrading the neighborhood’s property values. It’s one of the nicest neighborhoods in Torrington and accounts for nearly one million dollars in annual revenue. He noted that children play on the truck, creating a serious safety issue, and that city employees doing snow removal could not maneuver their plows effectively around the truck.
Mr. Sheldon said he spoke with several city department heads who were very cooperative, but they all suggested that he speak to Officer Shopey. After doing so, he stated that Officer Shopey was very dismissive of his issues and concerns and stated that nothing could be done unless a city ordinance was passed.
Mr. Sheldon pointed out that tonight’s agenda had an item to post Travis Street with signs prohibiting tractor trailer traffic. He asked this board to seek some sort of remediation and work within the guidelines of the city to come to some amicable resolution.
Officer Shopey indicated that he could, once again, speak with the driver of the tractor trailer. Children can climb on it as they can climb trees, but the truck itself doesn’t constitute a safety hazard. He said he was never informed that the driver was backing up into side roadways, and because of this new information, he would look into the matter further.
Officer Shopey will report back to the board at next month’s meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #550
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to go into an executive session at 7:18 p.m. under Contract Negotiations, Police Department. Personnel Director Thomas Gritt, and Labor Counsel, Victor Muschell were invited into the executive session.
OPEN SESSION #560
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to reconvene into an open session at 7:57 p.m.
CHIEF MILANO’S REPORT #570
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Milano’s Report for March 2007.
A discussion took place concerning the patrolling of Lakeridge on a temporary basis. Chief Milano indicated that Lakeridge will be part of a cruiser beat, patrolled in the same manner as any other neighborhood in the city.
TRAVIS STREET #665
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s recommendation to post Travis Street with signs prohibiting tractor trailer traffic.
During a discussion, Officer Shopey explained that tractor trailer trucks were backing down Belleview and Travis, causing a safety issue and damage to signs and curbing.
Commissioner Potter asked if this action would cause a hardship to the business owner in the area. He said it appears as though they were trying to create a driveway through Grandview.
Officer Shopey said he didn’t believe that driveway had been approved by zoning. Zoning directed the plumbing business to install fencing or barricades to prohibit that driveway. Officer Shopey noted that zoning has been involved with him on this matter, and it was his understanding that the business owner and the owner of the building agreed to offload products at their Oak Avenue address and use smaller trucks to offload at the warehouse on Travis, which would be allowed.
REPORT: ACCIDENT HISTORY - EAST MAIN STREET #785
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s report on the accident history and traffic complaints for East Main Street in the area of entrances adjacent to the Torrington Fair Plaza.
Officer Shopey reported that the area will have six lanes of travel. He continues to meet with the property owner on issues at hand, and the property owners have agreed to install additional signage. Officer Shopey said he met with the State Traffic Commission and the permit for the driveway remain open forever. If the driveway continues to cause problems and the accident rate remains high, he may recommend eliminating the ability to make a left turn into the entrance by westbound traffic.
Mayor Bingham added that connecting driveways is also being discussed with Planning & Zoning and Engineering.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if temporary “No left turn” signs could be put in place until the new signs can be installed.
Officer Shopey didn’t think people would observe signs on the right side because of the width of three lanes of traffic. They want to place the signs on a stand pole in the lane of travel so people can see them. He would talk to the state to see if it might work.
COMMUNICATION CONSULTANT #910
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to authorize the use of $5,000.00 from Capital Reserve (in addition to the $40,000.00 already approved) to hire a communication consultant and cover the cost of the preliminary project, and referred the matter to the City Council and the Board of Finance for approval.
ADD TO AGENDA #990
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to add an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote concerning the purchase of pedestrian signals.
PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS #1000
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent to award the bid entitled “Led Pedestrian Signals” to Marlin Controls of Danbury, CT., and referred it to the Board of Councilmen.
This was also Officer Shopey’s recommendation, since Marline services their current equipment and he is content with their service and warranty.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #1040
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept Fire Chief Field’s Report for March 2007.
DEPUTY CHIEF GIAMPAOLO’S REPORT #1060
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Fire Chief Giampaolo’s Report for March 2007.
Commissioner Potter inquired how the F-550 (TAC-10) would fit into the overall operations of the department with the HazMat Unit from the state and the HazMat Unit from the federal government.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo indicated that the department consolidated all of its HazMat equipment into this F-550 and one of the trailers. That made room in the second trailer for other equipment.
Commissioner Potter asked if they will now be able to retire the old beverage truck.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo indicated that the old beverage truck houses much of their bulky supplies, i.e., foam, speedy dry, dikes, a cascade system, pumps, etc. They can look into retiring the vehicle, but they would like to replace it prior to retiring it.
Commissioner Cook inquired whether the city’s firefighters would continue working on large projects at the north end station.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo said he likes to keep the firefighters busy by maintaining the buildings which they have been entrusted to maintain by the taxpayers of this community. They plant flowers, they mow the lawn. The Northend Community Association indicated that they would like to create some planting areas and a small walkway to the flagpole.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo stated that the outside of the buildings need to be weatherized so they don’t encounter the same situation that occurred at the Police Department. That expense is included in the department’s Capital Improvement Plan.
Chief Field noted that the north end station has some minor pointing issues which may addressed when they repair the wall. Some of the exterior overhangs at fire headquarters are in need of repair. Staying on top of the situation will prevent major issues in the future.
Commissioner Potter inquired whether any consideration had been given to putting the extra rescue tool we received from Homeland Security in one of the other departments’ vehicles.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo said no, but perhaps it could be a topic of discussion for the Fire Service Coordination Committee.
FIRE MARSHAL’S REPORT #1315
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal’s Report for March 2007.
TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT #1325
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Training Officer’s Report for March 2007.
INCIDENT REPORT #1340
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for March 2007.
EMS PROVIDER REPORT #1350
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report from Campion for March 2007.
Chief Field noted that firefighters have been training with Campion’s equipment and vehicles, and the program is working very well.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR’S REPORT #1405
There was no report from the Emergency Management Coordinator for March 2007.
BUS: DEPT HEADS #1410
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Chief Field reported that both recruits are doing very well.
Chief Field noted that Mayor Bingham and the board received a letter from Mr. Cannole regarding issues he had with comp time for work performed on the north end station. Chief Field clarified the following statement made by Mr. Cannole: “Kennedy Electric provided their state license for use by the firefighters.” Chief Field stated that Kennedy Electric was contracted to do the electrical work in the north end bathroom, and was paid for their services. Kennedy Electric did not supply their license for our firefighters to use. Firefighters who worked on the renovations at the north end station have their own licenses.
Chief Field asked to be given the opportunity to talk about the issues which Mr. Cannole was requesting this administration to act upon.
Mayor Bingham suggested Chief Field meet with the Policy Committee. Any recommendations from them could be brought forward to the full board.
Chief Field also pointed out that Mr. Cannole stated in his letter that comp time was added to pension calculations, which is not true.
Michael Maccalous, Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief stated that his department was selling address signs for $20.00, plus $5.00 for installation.
Lawrence Dauphanais, Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief asked that he be notified should a meeting be canceled.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1525
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Mayor Bingham and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Colangelo said he received an e-mail in regard to a parking incident which occurred on Prescott Street.
Chief Milano indicated that the e-mail was received by a Torrington resident who converted from making hundreds of sidewalk complaints to hundreds of parking complaints. He further noted that the vehicle in question was tagged in October and November of last year. In response to the Police Department’s lack of enforcing parking violations, Chief Milano stated that more than 3,000 parking tickets were issued in 2006, and 1,200 of them were specifically for non-metered violations.
Mayor Bingham noted that he contacted the sender of the e-mail after speaking with Chief Milano.
Commissioner Potter asked Officer Shopey to elaborate on the line item that was recently cut from his budget.
Officer Shopey noted that the Repair Line Item, cut by $5,000.00, was budgeted for traffic signal repairs, sign repairs, etc. The proposed increase in this line item was due to the dramatic increase in cost for steel, and the mandates imposed by the federal government which add another $7.00 to $8.00 per sign. Although he felt the need to increase the line item, he said he would live within his means if the board felt the cut is necessary.
Commissioner Potter expressed concern that several volunteers from out of town assisted Torrington’s firefighters during the fires at Prospect St. and New Harwinton Road. He didn’t think it was proper, nor did he want Torrington to have that liability.
Chief Field said it was not their policy or procedure to utilize personnel who are not within their jurisdiction unless it’s absolutely necessary, and when they are used, their role is very limited to non-threatening environments.
In regard to the Prospect Street fire, Chief Field noted that there were several volunteers in the Prospect Street area when their department was asked to help, and those volunteers went right to the scene. They try to discourage that from occurring because of the unsafe environment and the lack of accountability. The matter was discussed with those particular volunteer departments who assisted them.
Commissioner Potter didn’t want volunteers from out of town to think it was o.k. to show up at any fire in Torrington when we have our own volunteer departments.
Chief Field assured the board that this was not occurring and not part of their procedure.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo stated that the ladder truck was out of commission during the Prospect Street fire, requiring them to call Litchfield, which automatically brought in outside volunteers. Burrville was brought to the scene as well. Torrington utilized our own volunteers.
Chief Field said he will continue to pay attention to this matter and look into it further. He doesn’t advocate this type of activity and firefighters know that out of town volunteers cannot be placed in this type of environment. Accountability is impossible when people show up in their personally owned vehicles to help. This creates an unsafe environment that cannot be tolerated in his department.
Chief Milano said his department can assist the fire department by making certain these individuals stay out of harms way.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo stated, that as incident commander during the Prospect Street fire, he doesn’t remember seeing one individual who was not invited there. An on-going investigation is occurring on the New Harwinton Road fire.
In regard to the purchase of a new style trouser for the Fire Department, Commissioner Potter suggested backing off the dress code policy in order to transition into the new style trouser which the firefighters could purchase from their clothing allotment.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo indicated that his proposal to purchase two pairs of trousers for each firefighter was a transitional change in order to step into this program. Because the city can’t afford to purchase five pairs for each firefighter, he could allow them to choose what they want, cafeteria style. The concept is to have everyone in BDU’s; however, current trousers won’t be thrown out until they are worn out. Once mandated, the clothing allowance would no longer permit the purchase of the older style trouser.
Commissioner Potter suggested mandating the purchase of BDU’s from this point forward. Deputy Chief Giampaolo said the problem was that they didn’t have to purchase trousers.
Commissioner Benedetto defended the expense, stating that a clothing allowance of $340.00 a year doesn’t go far when trousers alone cost $130.00. He believed the multi-pocketed trousers would allow them to carry more equipment, especially when responding to EMS calls.
ADJOURNMENT #2650
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to adjourn t 8:50 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
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