MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
JULY 11, 2007
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, July 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, James E. Potter, and Robert C. Zordan, Corporation Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, Deputy Police Chief Michael Maniago, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Fire Chief John Field, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, Emergency Management Coordinator Thomas Vannini, Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Lawrence Dauphanais, and Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Maccalous. Commissioners Douglas J. Benedetto and Michael Colangelo, Police Chief Robert Milano, 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 7:10 p.m.
MINUTES #020
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held June 13, 2007.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #030
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Paula Hackett, 74 McKinley Street, stated she was informed that the board would vote on their April decision to prohibit tractor trailers on Travis Street at this meeting. In a statement on behalf of her neighbors of Travis, Belleview, and McKinley streets, she stated, if the board rescinded their April decision prohibiting tractor trailers on Travis Street, they will be creating a problem where there has been none. The trailer demonstration on June 29th did not prove safe travel through their residential streets. If they were to reconsider their vote, they would not be taking into consideration that more than one tractor trailer could be attempting to make the turn at any given time, that the streets are much narrower during the winter months, that the corner is a school bus pick
up, that emergency vehicles will not be able to get through if a tractor trailer should get hung up, and that the streets don’t have the turning radius to allow for tractor trailers to turn and stay in their own lanes.
Ms. Hackett and her neighbors are not saying that it can’t be done, they’re saying it can’t be done “safely.“ She distributed photos of a tractor trailer on Travis , Belleview and McKinley Streets, and asked the board to vote on the “safety” issue. She noted that the board was on record that these residential streets would be safe.
Mayor Bingham pointed out that the item wasn’t on the agenda; however, it could be added by 2/3rds vote under Officer Shopey’s Communication Report. The board voted at its April meeting not to allow tractor trailer trucks on Travis Street.
Lisa Kelsey, 239 McKinley Street, said she has a developmentally disabled, and visually impaired son living in her household. She and her husband purchased a piece of property on McKinley Street for their son, and are in the process of helping him obtain the goals he will require to live in that house. Because of his disability, his main mode of transportation is walking, and he will be walking on Travis, Belleview, and Litchfield Streets. She stated they would not have purchased the house on McKinley Street if they knew he had to negotiate tractor trailer trucks. She asked the board to take this into consideration.
Mayor Bingham asked Ms. Kelsey if the neighbors had any problems with truck traffic created by Patterson Oil, because the vote as it stands, only limits tractor trailer traffic on Travis Street.
She said Patterson’s trucks are not as large as those creating the problem, and she didn’t believe any tractor trailer trucks belonged on any residential street.
Chris Peppler, 25 Torringford East Street, Union President of Local 1567 (Fire Department) expressed his concern in regard to an operational change that went into effect in April concerning reduced response to activated fire alarms in the City of Torrington. The “Green Box” created by the Deputy Chief determines how the response will take place. For calls that occur outside the box, one engine will remain in the downtown area. Any calls coming in from inside the box, one engine will remain at the firehouse and the engine and ladder will investigate the call. As a Union representative, he opposes this change because he thinks it exposes the firemen to great safety risks. He also opposes the change as a taxpayer because this will increase exposure to fatalities and
property damage to homes and businesses.
Mr. Peppler read some excerpts from a letter he sent three weeks ago to Mayor Bingham, the Chiefs, and the board.
He claims the department already works with minimum manpower, and to hold back additional resources will potentially lead to larger fires, and expose firefighters and citizens to more danger.
According to this policy change, the response can be adjusted according to the urgency of the call. He asked the following questions:
What if there is no caller, and it’s strictly the alarm company letting them know there’s a call?
What guidelines should the dispatcher use to rank the urgency of a call?
Who is going to determine the urgency?
The policy does little to address the high life occupancy hazard buildings such as group homes, elderly housing, and schools.
The Master Plan states that every citizen deserves an equal response. This policy change will not provide this. The further away a citizen lives from the two career fire houses, the longer it will take the necessary companies to respond.
Mr. Peppler said the policy change contradicts the Master Plan and he gave a few examples.
Mr. Peppler said the citizens of Torrington deserve the best possible services, therefore services should be improved, not cut. The Union strongly opposed this change. They feel the change along with minimal manpower will delay their resources to an alarm and increase the potential for a fire to grow larger, create more property damage, and jeopardize lives.
Commissioner Potter said it was his opinion that the decision of the Chief and Deputy Chief to enact this policy is a good one based on many of the statements made by Mr. Peppler. If the majority of calls have proven to be false alarms, it doesn’t make much sense to have all the fire resources at the scene. Additionally, the taxpayer’s of the city cannot afford to staff the fire department to what the Union thinks it should be. The city has three volunteer fire departments that the career department should support more and make better use of. As firefighters, they have the ability, unlike a police officer, to make decisions when they get on the scene as to what they can and can’t do with the resources they have.
Commissioner Zordan said more than likely 911 calls, as well as an alarm, would be received if there’s a fire, and, if there’s no one home, then no lives are put at risk. He agreed that taxpayers’ aren’t happy when their taxes are increased, and the board has to weigh both sides.
Michael Riggs, firefighter for the City of Torrington, noted that they had three incidents in the last ten years where they’ve responded to only a fire alarm and a major fire was in progress. He noted that the city is increasing in population and it needs an east side station before something happens.
Mayor Bingham stated that they are looking to add an east end station and new police officers to the force.
Joseph McElroy, firefighter for the City of Torrington, said he wouldn’t mind spending more money in taxes for more fire protection.
Commissioner Cook asked the board if they would object to sitting down with the Union President, several firefighters, and the chiefs to discuss the matter further.
Commissioner Potter said they hired the chiefs to manage and administer the department, and their decision was based on the information they had before them. To overstep their decision-making is micro managing.
Commissioner Cook thought the message about getting an east end station in the Master Plan must not be getting to the Union, so scheduling a meeting amongst those parties mentioned above would be worthwhile.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo said the all firefighters have heard about the Master Plan and the proposed east end station. Many are opposed to the east end proposal because they think they’ll be stretched to the east end. They want more firefighters. The Chiefs want more firefighters as well, but they have to do the job in the most efficient manner possible. His concern was that the Chief and the Deputy made a decision and the Union doesn’t like it, but they don’t have to like it . . . they only need to come to work. The Management Clause in their contract says “There are no provisions in this agreement that shall be deemed to limit or curtail the City of Torrington in any way in the exercise of the rights, powers, and authority which the city had prior to the effective date
of this contract, unless only to the extent that provisions of the Agreement specifically curtail or limit such rights, powers and authority. The Union recognizes that the city’s rights, powers, and authority include but are not limited to the right to manage its operations, direct, select, decrease, increase the work force, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, suspension, discharge, or lay-off; the right to make all plans and decisions on all matters involving its operation, the extent to which the facilities of the department thereof shall be operated, additions thereto replacements, curtailments, or transfers thereof, removal of equipment, outside purchases of products or services, the scheduling of operations, means and processes of operations, the equipment to be used, and the right to introduce new and improved methods and facilities and to change existing methods and facilities; to maintain discipline and efficiency of employees, to prescribe the
rules to that effect; to determine the qualifications of employees; and to run the department efficiently, provided that it does not affect a mandatory subject of bargaining.”
Commissioner Cook said no one was trying to undermine the Chief or the Deputy in any of their decisions. It was his belief that the sub committee, if not the entire board, should meet with the firefighters and Union reps if they have issues they feel they need to bring to this board.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo said he was opposed to such a meeting.
Commissioner Zaharek said he understood Mr. Peppler’s issue and he understood that the Chief and Deputy Chief made a decision based on a lot of information. They know what they need to do to protect life. Mr. McElroy said he was willing to spend more money for more protection. It’s important for the public to understand that there’s a cost to having more fire protection.
Commissioner Cook added that unity and communication between the chiefs and the firefighters are essential.
Chief Field said he also opposed discussing operational issues with the firefighters. By inviting them to sit and negotiate operational issues, the board is giving them the opportunity to have their say any time there’s an operational issue. By opening the door to communication on operational issues, you are inviting them to be here, to do the same thing, every time there’s an operational change they don’t like.
Commissioner Zaharek said the board has to have faith in the administration. It’s the operation that controls administration, not the other way around.
Firefighter Peppler said he understands how the Chiefs feel about operational issues and, although the Chiefs have the right to run their department on operational issues, he, as President of the Union, has an obligation to represent these men in regard to health and safety and it can be proven that reducing the number of firefighters on scenes creates fatalities amongst firefighters. He was only asking the Chiefs to allow him to present the board with some facts and figures.
Commissioner Zaharek said there was no doubt in his mind that safety was first on the Chief and Deputy Chief’s mind.
CHIEF MILANO’S REPORT #1255
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Milano’s Report for June 2007.
INTRASTATE MUTUAL AID #1270
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to adopt Public Act #07-56, and Act Creating an Intrastate Mutual Aid System.
Deputy Chief Maniago said he and Chief Milano are in favor of adopting Public Act #07-56, since they would be helping their brother and sister police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel in the future if they ever needed their help. He noted that emergency situations get resolved sooner and in a more effective manner when everyone pitches in together.
Chief Field said they were also in favor of adopting Public Act #07-56. He noted that the city would have to say so, in order “not” to be involved. He urged the board to be involved in this mutual aid concept and not to opt out of it. Financially, it will be no different from the way they currently provide mutual aid, except that it will now address some of the liability and responsibility issues. The town providing the service will be responsible for any damaged equipment.
Deputy Chief Maniago indicated that they could seek reimbursement from the government in the case of emergency or disaster.
REMOVE OIL TANK #1370
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to authorize the use of $4,650.00 from Contingency for the removal of an oil tank from the City Hall municipal parking area and referred the matter to the City Council and Board of Finance.
COMMUNICATION REPORT #1400
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, a discussion took place in regard to Officer Shopey’s Monthly Communication Report for June 2007.
Officer Shopey said he strongly supported the original proposal brought forward to this board to post Travis Street as No Tractor Trailer Traffic, based on safety concerns that tractor trailers were backing down Travis Street. According to Mr. Marola, tractor trailers no longer back down the street but are escorted by a Litco employee who rents a warehouse at the location. Unknown to Officer Shopey, this has been occurring for the past five years. The demonstration that was held clearly demonstrates that tractor trailers cannot only enter Travis Street, even when there are vehicles on the roadway, but can exit as well. Yes, they do use the opposite travel lane, just as they do at hundreds of other streets in the city. The mere operation of tractor trailer trucks in residential
areas does not automatically present unsafe conditions. Hardships could be imposed on businesses if we limit access to tractor trailers on city streets, on what is perceived as safety issues.
Officer Shopey does not believe there’s a safety issue, based on the safe operations of the tractor trailer and recommends the board rescind their previous vote in April and allow tractor trailer traffic on Travis Street. The matter could be resisted in six months if the board so wishes, to determine if there have been additional problems in relation to the trucks properly driving down the street.
Commissioner Zaharek asked Officer Shopey if there was room for a tractor trailer and a car to pass each other on Travis Street.
Officer Shopey said no, but it would be hard to find an intersection where a tractor trailer won’t interfere with the other travel lane. Officer Shopey said Litco uses approximately three trucks a week to unload merchandise at the warehouse during business hours from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and they are always escorted by a Litco employee in a separate truck.
Commissioner Zaharek asked if there was anything Officer Shopey could do to make the conditions better, safer, or more convenient to the neighbors.
Officer Shopey said they could possibly move the signs to the inside of the sidewalk so they don’t get run over in the future. He said Engineering didn’t foresee a problem with the weight of the trucks going over the bridge.
Commissioner Zaharek asked if there were other means of accessing that property other than Travis Street?
Officer Shopey said there was access from Turner & Seymour property years ago, but it hasn’t been used or maintained and it is not accessible for trucks. That access has several small bridges that look like they may have accommodated small vehicles or forklifts in the past.
Commissioner Cook inquired about the size of the truck used in the demonstration.
Officer Shopey said it was smaller, but he made the tracking of the wheels almost the same as if it were a 53' trailer. Although it was not the same size, it was not far off.
Commissioner Cook asked Officer Shopey if “No Backing Up” signs would be posted.
Litco has instructed their drivers not to back down the street.
VOTE ON COMMUNICATION REPORT #1820
On the same motion, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s Monthly Communication Report for June 2007.
ADD TO AGENDA
RESCIND MOTION RE: TRAVIS STREET #1840
Commissioner Potter made a motion to add an item to the agenda by 2/3rd’s vote to rescind the vote not to allow tractor trailer traffic on Travis Street. Commissioner Zaharek seconded the motion. Unanimous.
RESCIND MOTION RE TRAVIS STREET #1860
Commissioner Potter made a motion to rescind the Board of Public Safety’s vote not to allow tractor trailer traffic on Travis Street. Commissioner Zaharek seconded the motion.
During a discussion, Commissioner Cook asked Officer Shopey if there were any safety issues with these tractor trailers going up and down the street, besides the fact that one could hit a sign, which caused this matter to come about.
Based on the fact that the trucks will no longer be backing down Travis Street, he didn’t believe there is a safety issue on Travis Street.
Commissioner Zordan had several concerns. He heard there was a possibility that parking would be removed. He totally disagreed with that. Secondly, he saw the demonstration on a beautiful June day, and even though the driver got through, he did have a difficult time. He also noted that people move to neighborhoods like Travis Street so their children can be safe.
Commissioner Zaharek noted that the city has many commercial enterprises on streets similar to Travis and their vote will extend to other parts of town. He would like someone to look into the feasibility of using a different access.
Commissioner Potter agreed that it appeared a little difficult for the driver to perform the demonstration, but he made it. If they stop traffic on Travis Street, the board will have further discussion with the neighbors about stopping him from installing a driveway on South Grandview. He said “The real issue in my mind amongst the neighbors is to not allow him to be able to get access to his property from South Grandview so that trucks can’t come around McKinley Street and down to the property from South Grandview.” There was no way they could stop Patterson from using those streets for tractor trailers and delivery trucks.
Officer Shopey understood the board’s concerns in regard to the hazards that tractor trailers on Travis Street could pose during the winter months when there are snow banks to contend with. That is the reason he suggested revisiting the issue in six months after the situation has been monitored for a while.
Commissioner Cook didn’t want to go back and forth with motions.
Mayor Bingham said the board could wait another month before making their decision. In the meantime, they can review topographical maps, surveys, and GIS maps that might show other possible entrances, etc.
The board allowed Ms. Hackett to speak once more. She pointed out that Mr. Marola purchased the building in 2002 and Litco began renting the warehouse a year and a half ago, which is when the problems began. She also stated that the number of trucks they see going in and out of there constantly change. The neighbors were first informed by Mr. Marola that Litco would not be driving tractor trailers on Travis Street, but would offload their merchandise onto smaller trucks and drive the smaller trucks to the warehouse. The Police Department could check their log to see how many times the neighbors called 911 during the winter months. She also noted that there are more than three trucks a week and has counted three in one day.
Ms. Hackett asked why Laurel Hill was posted with No Tractor Trailer Traffic.
Officer Shopey indicated that it was posted when they discovered that trucks coming off the exit ramp were driving into side streets to turn around, which created unsafe conditions.
Mayor Bingham asked Deputy Chief Maniago to get reports from this past winter for 911 calls for the McKinley Street, Travis Street area. More information will be gathered.
MOTION TO TABLE #2515
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board, with the exception of Commissioner Potter who opposed, voted to table the motion to rescind the Board of Public Safety’s vote not to allow tractor trailer traffic on Travis Street.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #2530
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept Fire Chief Field’s Report for June 2007.
DEPUTY CHIEF’S REPORT #2545
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Fire Chief Giampaolo’s Report for June 2007.
FIRE MARSHAL’S REPORT #2550
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal’s Report for June 2007.
TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT #2560
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept the Training Officer’s Report for June 2007.
INCIDENT REPORT #2575
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for June 2007.
MUTUAL AID WITH WINSTED #2585
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to grant permission for Mayor Bingham to sign the Mutual Aid Agreement with the Town of Winsted’s Fire Department.
Chief Field said the agreement they had prior to this point was verbal, and that Winsted has already approved their end of the agreement. This action will probably promote additional agreements with other towns.
EMS PROVIDER ACTIVITY REPORT #2670
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report from Campion for June 2007.
EMERGENCY MGMT COORD’S REPORT #2685
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Coordinator’s Report for June 2007.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #2725
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Deputy Police Chief Maniago indicated that the masonry work on their building was progressing.
He also thanked Fred Rosa and Campion Ambulance for the ambulance they sold the Police Department for $1.00. It will be used as a crime scene investigation vehicle for their detectives’ division. Because the vehicle will be fully loaded and ready to go at all times, it will reduce their response time, and allow the detectives for a place to map out their strategy during an ongoing investigation.
Chief Field reported that they have a contractor for the North End Station repairs, and that jersey barriers will be installed in front of the station until they can figure out a more permanent solution.
Chief Field also reported that they started the process to obtain the title for TAC 10 in order to retain its ownership.
He noted that he will be attending a meeting next Tuesday to see how the Fire Department can take advantage of a chunk of $900 million available nationwide for interoperable communications.
Emergency Management Coordinator Thomas Vannini gave his report.
BUS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPTS #2985
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Volunteer Fire Departments.
Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Maccalous reported that his department now has a deputy chief. His name was inaudible.
Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Lawrence Dauphanais reported that they will be holding a car show downtown on Friday night.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #3030
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Mayor Bingham and members of the Board of Public Safety.
The board thanked Chief Field for his presentation on the Master Plan, Part II.
Mayor Bingham said he appreciated the board’s diligence and recognition that they’re not ready to vote on the Travis Street matter until they have further information.
ADJOURNMENT #3120
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:25 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO
CITY CLERK
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