MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
AUGUST 8, 2007
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, August 8, 2007, in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, Board of Public Safety members Christopher H. Cook, Douglas J. Benedetto, James E. Potter, Michael Colangelo (arrived at 7:07 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, Torringford Volunteer Fire Department Representative Charles Marciano, Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Maccalous and Emergency Management Coordinator Thomas Vannini. Commissioner Richard L. Zaharek, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, 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 #010
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board, with the exception of Commissioner Benedetto who abstained, voted to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held July 11, 2007.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #020
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zordan, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Paula Hackett, McKinley Street, said after the board voted in May to install signs stating “No Tractor Trailers” on Travis Street, the owner of 69 Travis Street showed Officer Shopey some improvements he made to the land whereby tractor trailers could turn around on his property in order to eliminate them from having to back down the street. The owner failed to tell Officer Shopey that this is the area which is out of compliance with Inland Wetlands and Planning & Zoning. In March, the Inland Wetland Commissioners gave him until May 15th to correct the problem. Because he didn’t comply, he was given an extension to June 15th, and again to July 15th. After he failed to comply by July 15th, he was called in for a Special
Show Cause Hearing, but sent a surveyor in his place to explain. Inland Wetlands ordered him to soil, slope and seed the area again in order to stop erosion. The area in question is within 100' of the gulf stream upland regulated area.
The owner has until August 21st to comply with their order, and when completed his turn around area will no longer be available.
Ms. Hackett said the neighbors tried to work with Mr. Marola to find a solution. They didn’t think it would be a hardship for Litco to offload their merchandise onto smaller box trucks on Oak Avenue and make their deliveries to the warehouse once a week. Another option was to use a rear door by accessing the railroad tracks on the other side of the property. She pointed out that Mr. Marola owns the property behind the warehouse they could use as an entrance.
Commissioner Benedetto asked Officer Shopey if he was aware of this.
Officer Shopey said he has had no communication with Inland Wetlands on the matter.
David VanDeusen, 33 Travis Street, spoke in support of Mr. Marola for doing business in Torrington, and on Travis Street. He said he has lived on Travis Street since 1950 and his property adjoins Mr. Marola’s. He noted that Mr. Marola has complied as much as he has been able to until now, and has turned a deteriorated rusty building into a fine piece of real estate. Mr. Marola is an asset to our community and he’s doing a fine job in getting the building and the grounds around it in good shape.
Bill Borla, 82 McKinley Street, said he had a problem with tractor trailers on streets where they don’t belong. Tractor trailers could hinder emergency vehicles coming in or going out of that area. The turning radius is not adequate for tractor trailers. It was his belief that the Board of Safety should consider safety as a precedent and not allow tractor trailers on residential streets.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: PERSONNEL, POLICE DEPT. #520
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to go into an executive session at 7:16 p.m. under Personnel - Police Department. Chief Milano and Deputy Chief Maniago were invited to attend.
OPEN SESSION #540
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to reconvene into open session.
HIRE PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICERS #550
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to hire two probationary police officers, Robert Simmon and Christopher Abeling with a starting date of September 10, 2007.
CHIEF MILANO’S REPORT #590
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Milano’s Report for July 2007.
COMMUNICATION REPORT #600
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s Monthly Communication Report for July 2007.
Officer Shopey responded to Commissioner Benedetto’s inquiry about parking violations by stating they have not been successful in finding vehicles for the 35 people they have researched. The computer company has developed a new software program and is currently in the testing stage with the Motor Vehicle Department to make certain it works and he’s hoping that the transfer of data will take place within the next month. The total outstanding parking ticket money owed to the city is between $350,000.00 and $370,000.00.
TRAVIS STREET #645
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to rescind their original vote of April 11, 2007 to post Travis Street with signs prohibiting tractor trailer traffic.
Commissioner Cook said he spoke with Officer Shopey, and that he and Commissioner Benedetto checked out Travis Street. It was their opinion that backing up was an issue and it might be a greater issue down the road. Commissioner Cook would like to continue the communication on this topic, and if they have to come back to make changes in the future, they will.
Officer Shopey urged the Travis St. neighbors to call the Police Department if the drivers continue to back into the area, and they will take the necessary action. Signs can be installed to curtail backing up and he’ll visit the area from time to time to make sure there are no problems.
Commissioner Potter noted that Mr. Marola may have to address the grading issue with Inland Wetlands.
Mayor Bingham said he will forward any communication he receives from area residents to the Police Department in regard to safety.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #730
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s Report for July 2007.
Chief Field responded to Commissioner Benedetto’s request for an update on operational policies by stating that they are in the process of getting updated and they are in place, and the board is well aware of the guidelines.
Commissioner Benedetto inquired how the Union Activity Report came about.
Chief Field explained that the board had expressed some concern during the past few months over the lack of communication between the board and the Fire Department. Therefore, as of July 1st, the Union Activity Report, as well as the Sick Time Report, will be included in the packets as a way to enhance their communication.
Commissioner Benedetto indicated that the sub committee had not met on the grievances listed in the Union Activity Report.
Chief Field explained that there are steps in the grievance process in accordance with the contract and it hadn’t reached the point of going before the sub committee. The first step is to the Chief and the Personnel Director, then it goes to the Personnel Sub Committee and moves on from there.
Commissioner Benedetto said he thought the grievances should go to the sub committee before they’re forwarded to the full board.
Chief Field said he won’t include the information if the board doesn’t want it.
Commissioner Benedetto asked why the barriers had not been installed in front of the Northend Station.
Chief Field said he is working with Mr. Lizotte, Superintendent of the Streets, to get them installed.
Mayor Bingham said he’ll talk to Mr. Lizotte in the morning.
Mayor Bingham invited Commissioner Benedetto to phone him with whatever issues he might have.
FIREFIGHTER VACANCY #1015
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, a discussion was held in regard to the firefighters’ vacancy.
Chief Field recommended making a conditional job offer to the person who was interviewed during the last round. He also stated that another vacancy may occur within the next few days, and would like to offer a second conditional job offer to the other person who was interviewed off the current list. He asked the board to fill the positions as soon as the candidates accept the job offers so they can begin recruit class on September 10th.
MOTION #1080
Commissioner Benedetto made a motion to hire Jeremy Minard as probationary firefighter. Commissioner Colangelo seconded the motion. Unanimous
PERMANENT STATUS AS LT: MICHAEL ZAVATKAY #1160
On a motion by Commissioner Colangelo, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s recommendation that Lt. Michael Zavatkay be given permanent status as Lieutenant.
DEPUTY CHIEF GIAMPAOLO’S REPORT #1190
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s Report for July 2007.
FIRE MARSHAL’S REPORT #1210
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal’s Report for July 2007.
TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT #1225
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the Training Officer’s Report for July 2007.
INCIDENT REPORT #1235
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for July 2007.
EMS PROVIDER ACTIVITY REPORT #1250
On a motion by Commissioner Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report from Campion for July 2007.
EMERGENCY MGT COOR’D REPORT #1270
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Coordinator’s Report for July 2007.
Emergency Management Coordinator Thomas Vannini said it was the city’s recommendation to donate 3 AED heart devices to the Board of Education to be placed within the school system. However, the board will need to: 1) accept them and 2) write a policy, so it will be several months before they are ready to use in the school system. Certain personnel will be trained and certified to use them.
ADD TO AGENDA BY 2/3RDS VOTE #1320
Commissioner Benedetto made a motion to add an executive session to the agenda by 2/3rds vote under Personnel: Fire Department. Commissioner Colangelo seconded the motion.
AMENDED MOTION #1335
Commissioner Benedetto amended his motion to add an executive session to the agenda by 2/3rds vote under Personnel: Fire Department and to move the item to the end of the meeting. Commissioner Colangelo amended his second. Unanimous.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #1355
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
There was none.
BUS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS #1370
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to consider business by the Volunteer Fire Departments. There was none.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1385
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Mayor Bingham and members of the Board of Public Safety.
On behalf of the entire board, Commissioner Potter extended their thoughts and prayers to the family of longtime Chairman of the Fire Service Coordination Committee, Ralph Monschiene, who is gravely ill.
Commissioner Colangelo asked Chief Milano and Deputy Chief Maniago to supply him with copies of the first and last draft of their 2005/2006 budget by the next meeting or sooner, if possible.
Commissioner Zordan said he received a call about a car carrier truck being parked on Patterson Street for three and four days at a time. The person was concerned about the possibility that emergency vehicles wouldn’t be able to get through, and the fact that they can’t see the stop sign if it’s filled with cars.
Officer Shopey said he received the same call and has visited the area on several occasions and has not seen the truck. He asked that someone let him know when the truck is parked there so he can check it out.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #1545
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to go into an executive session at 8:04 p.m. under Personnel: Fire Department, and invited Chief Field, Chris Peppler, Michael Zavatkay, and Thomas Sterling to attend.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to reconvene into an open session.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Colangelo, the board voted unanimously to adjourn.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
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