MINUTES BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY AUGUST 12, 2009
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A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, August 12, 2009, in the Main Room of the Senior Center.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, Corporation Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, members of the Board of Public Safety Gerald A. Zordan, Richard L. Zaharek, Douglas J. Benedetto, James E. Potter, Christopher Cook and Robert Zordan, Police Chief Michael Maniago, Deputy Police Chief Christopher Smedick, Fire Chief John Field, Deputy Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Lawrence Dauphanais, Burrville Fire Chief Ken Marques, Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Maccalous, Director of Operations at Campion Ambulance Fred Rosa, and Administrative Assistant to the Mayor Stephen Nocera.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MINUTES #32 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held July 15, 2009.
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OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #38 On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner R. Zordan, the Board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. No one wished to speak.
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OATH OF OFFICE: DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF #58 Deputy Fire Chief Gary Brunoli was sworn in as Fire Chief by Mayor Bingham.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION: POLICE PERSONNEL, POLICE SECURITY #113 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to enter executive session at 7:04 p.m., inviting Police Chief Maniago and Deputy Police Chief Smedick.
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OPEN SESSION #129 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to enter open session at 7:32 p.m.
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POLICE BOOKING DESK #137 Commissioner Potter made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to accept Purchasing Agent's recommendation to award a bid to Systematics, Inc. of Meriden, CT for the Police Department Booking Desk in the amount of $30,450.00 pending City Council approval. Chief Maniago explained how the new desk will provide more safety to both officers and prisoners in the booking area, the ability to process more than one prisoner at a
time and reduce civil liability. Commissioner Benedetto pointed out that the low bidder was a local company, and requested more information. The Board voted 4/2 in favor of this, with Commissioners Benedetto and Cook against it.
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FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT #502 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field's Report for July 2009.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about the Acting Lieutenant assignments. Chief Field explained that through an agreement with the Union, he was able to implement the acting lieutenant program offering on-the-job training and orientation for future Fire Lieutenants, while alleviating overtime hours for officers.
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DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT #562 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner R. Zordan, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Deputy Fire Chief's Report for July 2009.
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FIRE MARSHAL'S REPORT #576 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshals Report for July 2009. Deputy Fire Marshal Fioretti reported on the recent fire at 200 Litchfield St.. He said there had been regular inspections and that a letter was sent on Sept. 9, 2008 to the owner stating the sprinkler system had to be tested, serviced and functional. The owner was having the
sprinkler system serviced in October/December of 2008, and January/February of 2009. Deputy Fire Marshal Fioretti reported that the sprinkler system had been shut off at some point, but the Fire Marshal's office was not notified. Commissioner Benedetto asked when re-inspection was scheduled and the Deputy Fire Marshall replied it was due around the present time. |
Deputy Fire Chief Brunoli also reported on this fire, commending all firefighters involved for doing a great, coordinated job. Chief Field said it had been a total team effort and a fabulous job keeping the rest of the complex from burning. He thanked everyone who assisted.
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TRAINING OFFICER'S REPORT #878 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Training Officers Report for July 2009. |
FIRE EQUIPMENT STATUS #893 Fire Chief Field updated the Board on the apparatus, particularly repairs and certification of Engine #2 and #5, and compared the cost of repairs to the worth of the vehicles. He said the Ladder truck has cost $40,000 in repairs over the last year. The vehicle replacement plan was discussed.
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APPOINT FIREFIGHTER: WALTER DIXON #1300 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Probationary Firefighter Walter Dixon to permanent status with the Torrington Fire Department, effective August 25, 2009.
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APPOINT FIREFIGHTER #1319 Commissioner Potter made a motion to appoint Probationary Firefighter Daniel Matthews to permanent status with the Torrington Fire Department, effective August 25, 2009. Commissioner Cook seconded the motion. Chief Field said some documentation is missing. Commissioner Potter made a motion to table, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto and unanimously approved.
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POLICE CHIEF REPORT #1338 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner R. Zordan, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Maniago's report for the month of July 2009.
Commissioner Benedetto remarked that the speeding violations looked low. Chief Maniago explained they are not participating in regional traffic in an effort to conserve overtime. Commissioner Benedetto requested to see the plan in writing.
Commissioner Zaharek inquired about the Detective Bureau's grant. Chief Maniago explained they will purchase a new drying bin for clothing that has physical evidence on it, crime scene equipment for their cars, tazers, updated camera equipment, and sponsoring some training classes for up-to-date crime scene investigation techniques. Mayor Bingham commended Lt. Emanuel and Captain Balzano for their diligence with this grant. |
TRAFFIC REPORT #1436 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey's Monthly Communication Report for July 2009. Commissioner Benedetto said it's nice to see the commercial vehicle inspections being done.
Commissioner G. Zordan asked how the vehicles are chosen for the inspection. Chief Maniago explained that usually a vehicle raises suspicion and stopped for another reason. Commissioner G. Zordon pointed out that using the DMV for parking ticket fine collections seems to be working well. Chief Maniago said it has been the most effective method to date.
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EMS PROVIDER REPORTS #1568 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report from Campion for July 2009. Mr. Rosa explained his Fleet Eyes program, tracking vehicles via the internet.
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BUS: DEPT HEADS #1630 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. All Department Heads offered their congratulations to Deputy Fire Chief Brunoli on his promotion.
Deputy Chief Smedick said Detective Dablain did a great job on a very tedious investigation leading to three arrests for the January 10th shooting on Winsted Road. He complimented the Officers involved in the Special Olympics, having raised over $6000, especially Lt. Anders, Officer Pietrefase and Sgt. Berardinelli. He said last night's "Cops and Kids" at Besse Pond was a great event, with assistance from City Councilor Elinor Carbone and the Mayor's Committee on Youth.
Chief Maniago reported that the calls for service have increased 9% this year, and arrests have increased 23.5%. Patrol Captain Schaller has gone back to other shifts, doing administrative inspections, and plans on doing more. |
Chief Field congratulated Lt. Hannon on his retirement, and again thanked everyone who assisted at the Stone Container Fire
Deputy Chief Brunoli informed the Board that Fire Vehicles will be seen around town as new employees do area surveys. He's met with the owners of the former Timken Standard plant and arranged for the use of those buildings for training.
Director of Operations at Campion Ambulance, Fred Rosa requested a list of the City's Nextel phone listings.
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BUS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPTS #1889 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by the Volunteer Fire Departments. Drakeville Chief Maccalous said they are working on an addition for their Firehouse. Burrville Chief
Marques said they were happy to assist with Monday's fire. Torringford Chief Dauphanais said they too were happy to assist, and they had a full black helmet crew at the scene. They have several firemen who are advancing to Fire 1 and Fire 2, with others who are just a couple steps away from being Black Helmets. Their active member roster is full.
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BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1969 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and members of the Board of Public Safety. All members and the Mayor congratulated Deputy Fire Chief Brunoli on his promotion, and all commended the Firefighters' and community's efforts at the 200 Litchfield St. Fire.
Commissioner Benedetto complimented the Neighborhood Watch program and suggested incorporating the Fire Department next year. He asked that the accessibility of Hotchkiss Place be reviewed. Commissioner Benedetto contacted Mr. Peter Gardinello to ensure that his tree issue had been resolved. Commissioner Cook commended Officer Hoyt for being number one in his class. Regarding the recent fire, he said he would like to see communication improved. Mayor Bingham also commended the Neighborhood Watch, Cops and Kids
programs. He gave a warm thank you to the firefighters for their professionalism and care. He said he is looking forward to working with Deputy Chief Brunoli on putting together a positive plan for Fire Department Apparatus.
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EXEC. SESSION: PERSONNEL #2443 On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session under Personnel at 8:35 p.m., inviting Chief Field and Deputy Chief Brunoli. |
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OPEN SESSION On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to return to open session at 8:45 p.m.
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ADD TO AGENDA On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to add an item to the agenda.
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FIRE DEPT PROMOTIONS: Patrick Doyle and Thomas Sterling On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to promote Patrick Doyle to the position of Fire Lieutenant effective August 16, 2009. On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to promote Thomas Sterling to the position of Fire Lieutenant effective August 16, 2009.
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ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:46 p.m. |
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC CITY CLERK
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Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CCTC Assistant City Clerk |
