MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DECEMBER 19, 2007
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety, adjourned from December 12, 2007, was held on Wednesday, December 19, 2007, in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, members of the Board of Public Safety Gerald A. Zordan, Douglas J. Benedetto, James E. Potter, Christopher H. Cook, 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, Representative from Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department Dennis Tanner, Emergency Management Coordinator Thomas Vannini, and Director of Operations at Campion Ambulance Fred Rosa. Those who were absent included Commissioner Richard L. Zaharek, and Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Roger Rougeot.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
MINUTES #255
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board, with the exception of Commissioners Benedetto and Gerald Zordan who abstained, voted to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held November 14, 2007, and the minutes of the special meeting held November 26, 2007.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #275
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES: CAMPION #310
Deputy Chief Maniago presented plaques to William Campion and Fred Rosa in appreciation and support of the Police Department and also in appreciation for the ambulance that Campion sold to the Police Department for $1.00 to be used as a crime scene vehicle.
PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE: OFFICER THOMAS ROULEAU #380
Officer Thomas Rouleau was presented with the Outstanding Officer Plaque from July 2007 by Chief Milano.
Theresa Cannino, an 8th grade student at St. Peter and St. Francis School, requested a crosswalk be installed in front of St. Francis School because cars parked on both sides of the road create a very dangerous situation. She noted that a petition was signed by a number of people in favor of this request.
Officer Shopey informed the board that the first investigation conducted by the Roadway Safety Audit Team was performed when he first received this request over a month ago. The team consists of the Traffic Unit, Engineering Dept., Street Department, and the Planning Department, and meets to investigate special circumstances or items that have a large impact on the community.
The team determined that there is credibility to some of the issues that were brought up. Their recommendations include the following:
1) To deny the installation of an unprotected mid-block crosswalk because it is not an acceptable practice to install one in any area with traffic signals that control intersections. It would require the removal of 5-6 parking spaces, curb cuts, and it would be strongly recommended by federal mandates to install flashing signs to warn of the crosswalk in a school area. The estimated cost is approximately $50,000.00. The area would remain unprotected because there is no guarantee that people will stop and there’s a potential of people expecting to have the right-of-way, conflicting with vehicular traffic.
2) To remove the meters on the opposite side of the school and move them to the side of the school. That would eliminate having to cross the street.
3) To install yellow/green post reflectors to increase sign visibility day or night and promote safety.
4) To deny a reduced speed limit for a school zone. If the speed limit was reduced from 25 MPH to 20 MPH, the city would have to install signs at least 300 feet from the school, post the times that the speed limit is in effect, and put flashing signals on the signs to give motorists advance notice of the reduced speed and its applicable times.
5) To cease the parking of vehicles at locations other than those specifically and originally designed to house vehicles. Parking of school employees should be eliminated from the sidewalk portion of the school property.
6) That the schools investigate better management and use of their existing property to accommodate and manage visitors when the building is occupied. In looking at the land use of the school, approximately 50% of their property is paved, yet they choose not to use it for whatever reason. They don’t allow parents to go on their property to drop students off, which would be the safest thing to do to take them off the road completely.
7) To deny the installation of temporary signs or objects within the travel portion of the roadway. Any obstruction in the roadway is a large liability for the city.
8) To conduct periodic speed enforcement in the area during times that school is in session.
9) To continue with the city’s policy to bus all children in the City of Torrington.
Mayor Bingham stated that the item will be placed as an item on the January agenda.
Mr. Cannino said he wouldn’t want his daughter to be held responsible for anyone getting a ticket, should the Traffic Division set up speed enforcement in the area. He agreed with Officer Shopey’s recommendation to move the meters.
EXECUTIVE SESSION - PERSONNEL: POLICE DEPT. #780
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session under Personnel: Police Department at 7:22 p.m., and to invite the Chief and Deputy Chief to join them.
OPEN SESSION #810
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to reconvene into Open Session at 7:45 p.m.
HIRE APPLICANT: DAVID COOPER #815
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Robert Zordan, a discussion took place in regard to the hiring of applicant David Cooper.
MOTION TO TABLE #840
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Robert Zordan, the board voted unanimously to table the vote until the January meeting, pending test results that hadn’t yet been received. A special meeting could be called, if necessary to get him on board as quickly as possible.
CHIEF MILANO’S REPORT #850
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Milano’s Report for November 2007.
Commissioner Cook inquired about the criminal record checks and requests for background from Parole, Probation, and Corrections that have nearly tripled since the Cheshire home invasion.
Chief Milano indicated that everyone in the record’s department is cross trained.
However, the data entry clerk is behind on her work because the activity level is high.
He noted that just about every new job needs a record check, and that 38,000
reports have been filed into Records this year. One reason they went to an outside
vendor for finger printing was because the work was becoming unmanageable.
MONTHLY COMMUNICATION REPORT #945
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s Monthly Communication Report for November 2007.
Officer Shopey noted that the software to transfer parking ticket information to Motor Vehicles is on track. An in-house problem was detected and the data will be entered into the system once it’s rectified.
Officer Shopey also noted that he has not had the time to utilize the boot.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #990
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s Report for November 2007.
DEPUTY CHIEF GIAMPAOLO’S REPORT #1000
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s Report for November 2007.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo explained that J.P. Maguire hasn’t been successful in completing the North End Fire Station project, and that local contractors will ultimately get the job done. The concrete blocks have been ordered from O & G and the plan is to have them dropped off behind the firehouse and the Street Department will transport them to the North End Station.
When asked about compensatory time, Chief Field explained that six firefighters were sent to a three or 4-day Car Seat Clinic resulting in compensatory time.
FIRE MARSHAL’S REPORT #1150
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Robert Zordan, the board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal’s Report for November 2007.
TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT #1170
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Training Officer’s Report for November 2007.
INCIDENT REPORT #1175
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for November 2007.
FIRE DEPARTMENT REIMBURSEMENT POLICY #1180
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Robert Zordan, a discussion took place on the vote in support of moving forward with the Fire Department’s Reimbursement Policy for new employees seeking employment in other communities.
Chief Field asked that this item be tabled til next month pending further review from Labor Counsel.
MOTION TO TABLE #1195
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to table the vote in support of moving forward with the Fire Departments Reimbursement Policy for new employees seeking employment in other communities.
UPDATE ON NORTH END STATION #1200
Please refer to #1000
EMS PROVIDER ACTIVITY REPORT #1210
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report from Campion for November 2007.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORD’S REPORT #1225
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Coordinator’s Report for November 2007.
Emergency Management Coordinator Thomas Vannini noted that he attended a number of regional organizational meetings last month, and is currently working on putting a game plan together for the entire region concerning communication, fire service, and public works.
He noted that the radios which should have been ordered in 2006 were ordered today. The paperwork needs to be in by next week to get reimbursed. The equipment necessary for the accountability system will be purchased at the same time.
BUS: DEPARTMENT HEADS #1280
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Chief Milano commended Sgt. Berardinelli for coordinating a successful Toy Drive, and commended Capt. Smedick for accepting a position on the Board of Directors for the Warner Theater.
Chief Field noted that their new computer software will be up and running on January 1, 2008. It will include the hardware necessary to be wireless in all of their vehicles.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo commended his staff for a successful 25th Annual Toy Drive.
He also noted that a cookie drive was held on December 9th whereby they collected 43 boxes of cookies, candy and hygiene supplies to send to our servicemen and women. Dave Starr’s son, who is in the 101st Airborn Division, and Officer Cattey’s son, who is a combat medic, will be getting their share of goodies.
BUS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPTS. #1390
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Volunteer Fire Departments.
Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Lawrence Dauphanais and Dennis Tanner, representative from the Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department, wished everyone happy holidays.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1410
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Mayor Bingham and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Mayor Bingham and the board wished each other a Merry Christmas and welcomed Commissioner Gerald Zordan to the board.
Commissioner Benedetto inquired about the procedure for clearing snow off sidewalks after a storm.
Chief Milano explained that the city once had a part time sidewalk inspector and when he retired it was assumed the Police Department would takeover the responsibility.
People list hundreds of violations at one time. Some buildings have absentee landlords. Renters often times don’t know who their landlord is and it’s difficult to track these people down. His staff has to get information from the Assessor’s Office to find out their identity. It has become a monumental problem for the Police Dept.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if community service could be used for people who can’t shovel their sidewalks, either because they are physically or financially unable to do so.
Mayor Bingham said his office has a list of individuals who will shovel sidewalks for a fee, but he has no one on call willing to donate their time to shovel sidewalks for people who can’t do so.
Chief Milano recently ordered Cptn. Smedick to take care of the complaints pro-actively, and to take action when it’s appropriate.
Commissioner Benedetto didn’t think officers should spend hours looking for landlords.
Chief Milano agreed. His opinion was that his department should only be handling the enforcement equation of this matter.
Mayor Bingham noted that the next budget will have a recommendation to include funds for a part time civilian sidewalk inspector. He also stated that the Corp. Counsel’s office has sent letters to people whose sidewalks are in shambles letting them know that they are subject to a fine and they need to make repairs.
Commissioner Benedetto asked Chief Field about taking Engine 1 with four personnel to Harwinton to pick up toys.
Deputy Chief Giampaolo answered by saying they have certain tasks which they do on a regular basis and, quite frankly, when he started the Toy Drive 25 years ago, he was responsible for it and he made it his own. Today, they have a mere image of that program and very little gets done for nothing. He explained that on this particular day, a very generous individual, who had collected a great amount of toys, called one of the firefighters and asked if the toys could be picked up. When the message ended up in his (Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s) office, he took care of the matter. It was his belief that whoever got the call should have taken care of the matter instead of handing it over to the second person in the department. Deputy Chief Giampaolo indicated that he made the decision to send
the truck because he doesn’t break up the engine company, and he accepts the responsibility. The safety of the city was not jeopardized by doing so. If that engine company was committed on a call, they would still have had the same amount of staff.
Commissioner Potter didn’t think the taxpayers should be paying to send a truck out of town to pick up toys.
On the other hand, Commissioner Cook thought it was acceptable to send a vehicle out of town for a funeral.
Chief Field informed the board that they recently sent a truck to Harwinton and to Burlington for flags for a funeral. If they should happen to need the crew that is sent out, they just call them back.
Chief Field said “Commissioner, if you don’t want it to happen, I’ll make it not happen, that’s for sure, and it’s not going to happen across the board though. I’m not going to pick and choose.” To pick and choose wouldn’t be fair.
Commissioner Cook indicated that they could talk about it further.
Commissioner Robert Zordan said it’s something they’ve been doing for years and he didn’t think anything would happen to the city with one truck missing.
Mayor Bingham said the board understands that a Commissioner has an issue that should be researched and dealt with, but no rash judgements or decisions should be made.
Commissioner Robert Zordan thanked the Police Department, the Fire Department and Campion Ambulance for doing a great job during 2007.
The board congratulated the re-elected and newly elected members of the board and wished each other Merry Christmas.
Mayor Bingham indicated that he will be furnishing the board with a list of appointments he made to the subcommittees and if anyone had a concern, they could get back to him.
He reminded the board that budget season will be fast approaching and asked that the budget subcommittees make some time to meet with the chiefs and deputy chiefs.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #2325
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session under Personnel: Fire Department, at 8:25 p.m., and invited Chief Field and Deputy Chief Giampaolo to attend.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to reconvene to Open Session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to go into executive session under Security: Fire Department, to discuss devices affecting public safety.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to reconvene into Open Session.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Robert Zordan, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
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