MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
NOVEMBER 19, 2008
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety, adjourned from Wednesday, November 12, 2008, was held on Wednesday, November 19, 2008, in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, members of the Board of Public Safety Gerald A. Zordan, Richard L. Zaharek, Douglas J. Benedetto, James E. Potter, Christopher H. Cook, and Robert C. Zordan, Corporation Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco, Police Chief Robert Milano, Deputy Police Chief Michael Maniago, Fire Chief John Field, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Lawrence Dauphanais, Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Maccalous and Director of Operations at Campion Ambulance Fred Rosa. Those absent included Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Roger Rougeot, and Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Thomas Vannini.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MINUTES #025
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Gerald Zordan, the board with the exception of Commissioner Robert Zordan who abstained, voted to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held October 8, 2008.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #035
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no public participation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: FIRE DEPT. #040
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to go into an Executive Session under Personnel - Fire Dept. at 7:01 p.m. Chief Field and Deputy Chief Giampaolo were asked to attend.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Gerald Zordan, the board voted unanimously to reconvene into Open Session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: FIRE DEPT.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to go into an Executive Session under Personnel re: Lieutenant’s Promotion - Fire Dept.
OPEN SESSION #065
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to reconvene into Open Session at 7:30 p.m.
PROMOTION: LT MARK HILPERT #070
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to promote firefighter Mark Hilpert to the position of Lieutenant effective Sunday, November 23, 2008. He was congratulated by Mayor Bingham and the Board of Public Safety. A swearing-in ceremony will take place on December 10, 2008.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: POLICE DEPT #105
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Gerald Zordan, the board voted unanimously to go into an Executive Session under Personnel: Police Dept. at 7:38 p.m. Chief Milano, Deputy Chief Maniago, Richard Cerutti, and his attorney, Robert Lubus, Jr. were invited to attend.
OPEN SESSION #120
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to reconvene into Open Session at 8:13.m.
Mayor Bingham asked the board to reopen the public portion of the meeting.
Janet Peters, 60 Whitewood Road, spoke in regard to a group home located at 18 Hemlock Road, that is being run by Community Mental Health Affiliates and overseen by the Department of Children and Family Services.
She stated that the four or five teenagers who reside in the group home are not being supervised properly and she is asking the board to authorize more police presence in the neighborhood. She is also asking the police department to let them know the number of calls they receive concerning this group home. Obviously, their goal is to have the home removed and the documentation would help them show DCF how the home is being run.
Chief Milano indicated that he has been in communication with DCF and has supplied them with an up-to-date copy of the reports concerning police response to the home. He agreed to do everything he can in terms of more patrols and to supply them with whatever public information he was allowed to give them by law. He noted that his department has received calls in regard to vandalism and disturbances and the neighborhood has been very vocal about it.
Ms. Peters said she wanted it on record that they came before this board with their safety issue so they could use it in the event that it ever reached that point.
Mayor Bingham informed the board that they are meeting regularly with DCF, who has concerns over this particular group home and the people running it. The new Commissioner has promised to be more involved and to follow up with specific complaints. The number of complaints are being monitored and Ms. Peters’ complaint is on record with this Board of Public Safety.
Ms. Peters indicated that their next meeting with DCF is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., November 25th at the DCF office on Kennedy Drive, and invited the board to attend.
Mayor Bingham said this might be an opportunity for board members to represent themselves if they wished to attend this meeting.
CHIEF FIELD’S REPORT #545
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field’s Report for October 2008.
Commissioner Benedetto expressed his concern about the Fire Department’s response to six or seven animal calls when the city has an Animal Control Officer.
Chief Field indicated that calls concerning animals are not priority calls, and they assist the public whenever possible. If someone is in danger from any kind of animal and they can provide assistance, they do. His philosophy is that the Fire Department is a public service agency and they tend to investigate incoming animal calls to see if they can provide assistance. If they can’t, they point them in the right direction. Some people don’t know the exact nature of the emergency and call the Fire Department because they are distraught with the situation and the Fire Department tries to help them with their problem. He added that it’s very possible the Animal Control Officer is notified as well as the Fire Department.
Commissioner Cook asked if the Animal Control Officer generates a report, Chief Milano indicated that he files a very simplistic report.
Mayor Bingham stated that protocols or policies should be made to deal with certain calls the board feels the Fire Department shouldn’t respond to.
DEPUTY CHIEF’S GIAMPAOLO’S REPORT #930
On a motion by Commissioner Gerald Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Giampaolo’s Report for October 2008.
Commissioner Benedetto pointed out that firefighters were getting comp. time for working on computers and inquired why the Information Technician’s Department didn’t handle their computer matters.
Chief Field explained that some of his staff work on their specific system in regard to dispatch and informational and data technology. Although the Information Technician helps them quite often with the server that’s connected to the city and some of their software and hardware, when it comes to specifics, they try to take care of their own software. These individuals are working extensively to get their new software to full capacity, which sometimes includes time spent with the vendor.
FIRE MARSHAL’S REPORT #1050
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal’s Report for October 2008.
TRAINING OFFICER’S REPORT #1060
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept the Training Officer’s Report for October 2008.
INCIDENT REPORT #1065
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the Incident Report for October 2008.
FIRE SERVICE - STRATEGIC PLAN #1075
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to discuss the Fire Service - Strategic Plan.
Chief Field indicated that Commissioner Potter has represented the Board of Safety as they move forward with their Strategic Plan, and three meetings have taken place so far. He furnished the board with a hand out showing the members who were asked to participate and a list of their objectives. The facilitator, Roger Sylvestre, assessed strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and performed a hazard analysis of the City of Torrington. One of issue that came out of the process so far was the consolidation of paid and volunteer service to make it one fire service, and make it as effective and efficient as possible for the citizens of Torrington. The facilitator assigned particular tasks to be completed, which will be ready for their next meeting on Monday evening.
Commissioner Potter was hopeful that they can come up with an excellent plan for fire service as a whole for the city.
Chief Field indicated that discussions were held, and will likely continue, in regard to response time and east side coverage. He stated that the service for east side coverage needs to become one and that they need to take advantage of the resources they have and use them to their full effectiveness. One of the main things that you’ll see come out of this planning process is the fact that they need to work as one, instead of four separate departments.
No vote was necessary.
LITCHFIELD FORD #1290
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the recommendations from the Purchasing Agent and the Fleet Manager to waive the bid process and accept the request for quotation from Litchfield Ford and purchase a 2008 Ford Expedition XLT at a cost of $21,998.00 for the Fire Department. (Approved by Council on 11/17/2008.)
Commissioner Gerald Zordan asked if this purchase was necessary.
Chief Field indicted that the purchase is critical for their operation to get the shift supervisor out of the ladder and into his own vehicle. It’s expected that the wear and tear of the ladder truck will be greatly reduced by having the shift supervisor use the expedition.
Mayor Bingham suggested moving the EMS Provider Report to the present time.
EMS PROVIDER REPORT #1385
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report from Campion for October 2008.
CHIEF MILANO’S REPORT #1405
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept Chief Milano’s Report for October 2008.
Commissioner Benedetto expressed his concern about not having enough policing for traffic at this time. According to his report, only seven speeding violations were handed out last month.
Chief Milano noted that because the number was so low, he wasn’t certain about its accuracy, but he will check on it.
Deputy Chief Maniago added that the academy doesn’t certify the new officers in the use of laser or radar. Officer Shopey just completed a class to certify the majority of the newly hired people. The class will enable more officers to use the laser and radar, which will bring the numbers up.
Commissioner Potter asked if Officer Shopey was doing too much supervising and not enough traffic enforcement. He asked if Sgt. Recchini should be involved with the supervision.
Chief Milano said it’s the nature of the job as it has existed for years and what responsibilities and functions that come under it. Parking meters, parking lots, etc. comes under the catch-all called Traffic Maintenance. They anticipate doing more traffic enforcement now that more officers are coming on board. He added that the state has provided them with funds to participate in the Click It and Ticket project.
Commissioner Cook pointed out that the Traffic Enforcement Team which was disbanded a while ago, was very beneficial in reducing speed and traffic accidents.
Chief Milano indicated that the new system with Motor Vehicle has created an influx of people paying their parking tickets. Although that project has been very successful, it has created a back log of work in Traffic with just one clerk.
COMMUNICATION REPORT #1735
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s Monthly Communication Report for October 2008.
FREE PARKING #1755
Commissioner Potter made a motion to accept the recommendation that on-street metered locations be allowed 2 hours of free parking between the dates of Friday November 28, 2008 and Thursday, January 1, 2009. Commissioner Zaharek seconded the motion.
Mayor Bingham asked the board to please change the two hours to three hours of free parking.
AMENDED MOTION
Commissioner Potter amended his motion to accept the recommendation that on-street metered locations be allowed (3) three hours of free parking between the dates of Friday November 28, 2008 and Thursday, January 1, 2009. Commissioner Zaharek amended his second. Unanimous.
NEW ENGLAND UNIFORM, LLC #1775
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, a discussion took place in regard to the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to extend the current bid contract for Police Uniforms for the fiscal year 08/09 to New England Uniform LLC at the same rates, terms, and conditions as the existing bid. (Approved by City Council on 10/6/08 and tabled by Bd of Safety on 10/08/08).
Chief Milano said the issue that developed was the fact that the price was being held to a two year level, and he as well as the Purchasing Agent felt that if the item goes out to bid they’ll be running the risk of having the prices adjust upward regardless of the state of the economy. They’ve had very good luck with this firm and they provide quality products and service.
Commissioner Benedetto felt people should be more competitive during these hard economic times and it should go out to bid to see if the city can do better.
VOTE #1920
The board, with the exception of Commissioner Benedetto who opposed, voted in favor of the motion to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to extend the current bid contract for Police Uniforms for the fiscal year 08/09 to New England Uniform LLC at the same rates, terms, and conditions as the existing bid. On a 5-1 vote the motion carried.
TOUGHBOOKS BID #1930
On a motion by Commissioner Gerald Zordan, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the board voted unanimously to accept the recommendations from the Purchasing Agent and Chief Milano to waive the bid process and purchase six CF-30 Toughbooks off the State Bid Contract from Telrepco, Inc. for $22,318.00. (Approved by Council on 11/17/2008.)
Chief Milano indicated that three Toughbooks were budgeted for, and the other three will come from Asset Forfeiture money.
AMMUNITION #2030
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent to waive the bid process and purchase the Police Department’s ammunition off the State Contract from Eagle Point Gun, for $17,148.04. (Approved by Council on 11/17/2008.)
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORD’S REPORT #2065
There was none.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #2065
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Gerald Zordan, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Chief Milano indicated that he would schedule a special meeting of the Board of Public Safety at a convenient time for everyone to review the Police Department’s Five Year Strategic Plan.
Chief Milano planned to have the Board of Public Safety vote on the promotions that were budgeted for, effective January 1, 2009. They would include a Captain, an additional Lieutenant, and the effects of these promotions. He noted that the lists for Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant are all in full force at the present time.
BUS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPTS. #2125
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Volunteer Fire Departments.
Torringford Fire Chief Dauphanais indicated that their Christmas tree sale will begin on the 30th of the month.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #2145
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the board voted unanimously to consider business by Mayor Bingham and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Benedetto stated that within the last fourteen months, there have been reports of breach of security, integrity issues, and officers flaunting the law in the police Department and asked Chief Milano why these issues were happening and what he intended to do about it.
Chief Milano said he has taken an affirmative position to do whatever was necessary to protect and maintain the integrity of the department. He felt the administration of the Police Department, with the support of this board, has moved swiftly to terminate employees and highly suggest resignations. The issues that have come up have been dealt with head on. He said he was not aware of any issues that have come up that haven’t been dealt with and if Commissioner Benedetto knew of any, he would like to hear about them.
Mayor Bingham said it was clear that every issue that has come up has been dealt with. It was his belief that Commissioner Benedetto, as part of this board, should be a part of the solution.
Commissioner Benedetto stated that an officer has recently been caught lying.
Commissioner Cook stated that things have been changing in the Police Department during the past year or so. However, he agreed that issues were being handled through terminations, resignations, etc. He thought Commissioner Benedetto’s concern was “why” these issues were occurring in the Police Department at this time. As a member of the Police Personnel Sub Committee, he said they’ve been thoroughly checking the people they interview as new recruits prior to giving job offers.
Chief Milano said he didn’t think Commissioner Benedetto had read the report concerning the officer who was caught lying. He stated that he would be more than happy to share that issue with him as a personnel issue as opposed to discussing it in public session. During his tenure as Chief and Deputy Chief, he has demanded that the rules and regulations and professional ethics be followed.
He was disappointed in Commissioner Benedetto’s innuendo. His plan was to staff and supervise adequately, to have the proper training, and to continue with the proper selection of personnel. In any event, a number of people will slip through the cracks and there’s nothing we can do about that except to be vigilant, respond in a timely manner when something happens, state exactly what is and is not acceptable, and go to the board for support. The record shows that there is anything but a laissez-faire administration. He would be happy to go over any facts and circumstances of any discipline with Commissioner Benedetto. He doesn’t set the city up for failure in Wethersfield or with CHRO; he carefully weighs the evidence and the likeliness of successful prosecution of department
rules and regulations.
Commissioner Potter expressed his concern about how Commissioner Benedetto was getting his information and making it public when, obviously, it was being handled internally.
Commissioner Benedetto said he’s been getting phone calls from concerned citizens about how our Police Department is being run.
On another matter, Commissioner Benedetto said he had a concern about the Deputy Fire Chief using his own vehicle during working hours.
Chief Field indicated that there was nothing restricting the Deputy from using his own vehicle, nor the department vehicle during working hours, however, he does not respond to fires in his truck.
Corporation Counsel Weaver stated that the Deputy was responsible for his own vehicle, and that he has another vehicle available to him.
Commissioner Zaharek indicated that he gets more compliments about the Police Department than complaints from people concerned about the department falling apart. He noted, that perhaps there has been an increase in incidents, however, Chief Milano takes a very active part in solving problems. One of Commissioner Zaharek’s issues since he’s been on the board was the structure of the Police Department and having that second Captain will provide more supervision and will certainly curb any future issues.
Commissioner Gerald Zordan reported that someone approached him about bicycles on the streets at night without lights or reflectors. He said he never gave the issue much thought in the past, however, he has come across bicyclists riding their bikes at night without lights or reflectors twice during the past three nights. He asked what could be done about it.
Chief Milano stated that this matter falls under State Statutes and a bicyclist can actually be given a citation if he/she is old enough. Otherwise, they can report the incident to their parents.
Commissioner Cook stated that it’s part of their job as members of this board to express their concerns.
Commissioner Cook stated that in an interview with a local newspaper, the paper mentioned that the equipment was not the same between the paid department and the volunteers. He said, “Basically, I said that the communication between the Torrington paid department and the volunteers has been getting better and I think that, when it came to equipment, there were certain types of equipment that we felt that, if they wanted to update their equipment, whether it be getting a quint in Burrville versus a ladder, would be beneficial for the city, in general. It got taken out of context and it sounded like the volunteer department doesn’t have the same equipment as the paid, and that’s not at all what was meant by it.”
ADJOURNMENT #3095
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:30 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
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