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Minutes 12/09/2009 Approved
MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DECEMBER 9, 2009
A REGULAR  MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday,
December 9, 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 Zordan, Richard Zaharek, Douglas Benedetto, James Potter, and Christopher Cook, Police Chief Michael Maniago, Deputy Police Chief Christopher Smedick, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Fire Chief John Field, Deputy Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Volunteer Fire Chiefs Michael Maccalous and Ken Marques, and Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco. Commissioner Darlene Battle was absent.

Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

MINUTES #25
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the following minutes:
     Regular Meeting held November 4, 2009 – Commissioner Zordan abstained
    Special Meeting held November 9, 2009
    Special Meeting held November 18, 2009 – Commissioner Zordan abstained and corrected the minutes to show those present to include Commissioner R.         Zordan, and mark as absent Commissioner G. Zordan.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #55
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Mr. John Falcone of Calhoun St. spoke in favor of keeping the Calhoun St.parking.
Mr. Glenn Royals of Calhoun St. spoke about the Calhoun St. parking situation.

POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT #400
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Maniago's Report for October and November 2009 and Officer Shopey's Monthly Communication Report for October and November 2009. The purchase of Traffic software was discussed.

FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT #662
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field's Reports, Deputy Chief Brunoli's Reports, Fire Marshal's Reports, and Training Officer's Reports for October and November 2009. Response to lockout calls, their expense to the City, and ways to deter them was discussed. Chief Field stated that at no time will the Fire Department not respond to a lockout call.

FIRE DEPT. APPARATUS REPLACEMENT PLAN #1142
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Torrington Fire Department Apparatus Replacement Plan ** Attachment #1.  Deputy Chief Brunoli explained the Fire Dept. had never been consulted for the Mercury Report, which had a 3% funding rate. The new plan has a 5% rate, with mileage and hours of use calculated in for a 12 year rotation to get trucks to a 24 year life cycle. It rotates vehicles to the volunteer fleet after 12 years, has 5.1 million in funding over a 16 year period, and considers the Fire Chief's master plan, while leaving fluidity for changes in technology and growth of the City.
Deputy Chief said trucks take one year for delivery from the date the contract is signed, and he praised Fleet Manager Castro for his efforts on this plan. The size of the fund, the price of vehicles, and the rotation of purchases was discussed.

SAFER GRANT #2052
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board considered approval of the SAFER grant application. Fire Chief Field explained this grant funds additional staff members for two years and requires the City to fund them in the third year. Deputy Fire Chief Brunoli explained that Torrington falls short on NFPA1710's staffing recommendation and response time. Increased staffing under the SAFER grant would cost $.11 per day per household.  
Commissioner Potter said he is in favor of building up the Department but expressed concerns about not having an agreement with Torringford yet, that the budget three years from now may not be able to support the SAFER grant requirement, and that increasing Fire Dept. staff should be accomplished in increments.
Commissioner Benedetto said he is in favor of receiving two yrs of free labor paid for by the Federal Government. Commissioner Cook asked about the third engine company for the East End. Chief Field replied they are still negotiating and investigating options.
_______________** #3565   *** end tape 1 *** _______________
Mayor Bingham urged the Board to consider that we are still in unstable economic times. Deputy Chief Brunoli explained that the grant does not have to be accepted after applying for it.
The motion was denied with a 3/2 vote, with Commissioners Benedetto and Cook in favor.

EMS PROVIDER REPORTS #149
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report from Campion for October and November 2009.      

TWO HOUR PARKING: AMHERST ST. #153
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to authorize "Two Hour Parking During School Hours" on the west edge of Amherst St. between Joseph St. and Oliver St.

CALHOUN STREET PARKING #285
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to deny authorization of "No Parking" on the north edge of Calhoun St. from Main St. to Benham St. Commissioner Benedetto expressed concern for pedestrian's safety. Officer Shopey explained that parking on both sides of this street is dangerous because it's too close to the intersection, it's being abused and vehicles are not utilizing the space that was provided for the purpose it was intended for. Mayor Bingham suggested a letter be sent to the residents regarding one-way traffic from Benham to Main Sts.


KNOLLWOOD DRIVE: 25 MPH SPEED LIMIT #597
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to authorize 25 MPH speed limit on Knollwood Drive.

POLICE FORENSIC VIDEO AND AUDIO ANALYSIS SYSTEM #655
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent's recommendation to award a bid for Forensic Video and audio Analysis system to Dynamic Technologies Inc., d/b/a/ Ocean System, MD, in the amount of $24,995.00.  Chief Maniago explained this purchase is funded through a Federal Grant applied for by the Detective Bureau.

POLICE SERVER #697
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent's and the IT Director's recommendation to waive the bid process and execute an emergency purchase from a sole source provider of a new Server from IBM for the Police Department in the amount of $13,084.00.

BUS: DEPT HEADS #870
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Chief Maniago said June 6th is the targeted date for a command school, inviting attendees from around the country. The Community Enhancement Unit paid for by a Federal grant will be instituted soon and utilized at the Torrington Towers along with a Block Watch program and self defense education. He added that the Detective and Patrol Division worked seamlessly together with good leadership and fine police work in solving the recent bank robbery and the missing 85 year old man.
BUS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPTS #
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by the Volunteer Fire Departments.

Torringford reported that their Christmas Tree Sale is in progress.
Drakeville reported that their addition is moving along.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1000
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and members of the Board of Public Safety.

Commissioner Benedetto asked what the Board can do about the intersection at Price Chopper. Officer Shopey said a letter was sent to the State Traffic Commission and recommended contacting State Representatives.

Commissioner Potter thanked City Council and the Board of Finance for their support of Drakeville's tanker, and commended the Police Dept. for their work.

Commissioner Cook commended the Police Dept.'s plans for Torrington Towers.                   
ADJOURNMENT #1266
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:05 p.m.

ATTEST:  JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
                 CITY CLERK
                                                                                         Respectfully Submitted,                                                                                            Carol L. Anderson, CCTC                                                                                  Assistant City Clerk
Attachment 1:                                Torrington Fire Department
Apparatus Replacement Plan 2009

        The following report has been put together after reviewing information provided by the Mercury Report, information gathered from previous replacement plans dating back to the Administration of Mayor Gryniuk , the Torrington Fire Department Master Plan 9/1/2006 and discussions between Fire Chief John Field, Board of Safety Commissioner James Potter and City of Torrington Fleet Manager Emil Castro and Deputy Chief Gary Brunoli.
        
         There has been a long history to apparatus replacement and many changes. There has to be an understanding that this plan is fluid and may change with as the City grows and technological advances arise After reviewing the plan the Administration of the Torrington Fire Department would seek approval of this plan so the Department can move forward and provide the most professional and efficient service to the Citizens of the City of Torrington.

        The plan is presented after processing all the information, we feel will save money from what was previously documented in the Mercury report. The plan also puts in place a rotation that is agreeable with the Fire Department and the City Fleet manager. The Mercury plan called for a rotation of vehicles every 7 years. After discussions with the Fleet Manager we are basing some of the decisions for replacement by using vehicle mileage, hours, and age as a determining factor as to when we should replace an apparatus. The plan calls for an apparatus to be on as first line for 12 years. At the 12 year mark the apparatus would be placed into the system as spare for the Department for another 12 years. We consider after reviewing all information that the life expectancy for our Career fire apparatus to be 24 years. Changes in the City as well as the Fire Service will also dictate the apparatus life expectancy.
         When the Mercury Report was developed the Administration of the Fire Department had no contact with any representative that developed the Report.  All information gathered was obtained through the former Fleet Manager. Information from the Fire Departments master plan was not considered due to the fact that we had to add an apparatus to the fleet due to the Departments future presence on the East Side of the City. The Department will have 2 spare pumpers to be put into service when a first line apparatus is down for service. The 2 spares are needed as part of the Department Operations during multiple alarm incidents. The long history of apparatus replacement has had many plans that included and did not include the three City Volunteer Departments. This plan allows for inclusion of the three departments to allow for apparatus that will provide the citizens the proper service the Departments will provide. After reviewing the vehicle information with the Fleet Manager we did not feel that replacing the volunteer apparatus on the same 12 year rotation was warranted. We looked at the mileage, hours and age to see where and when the replacement of their apparatus would need to be replaced. Being that the plan is fluid changes in the City of Torrington and Fire service operations may require the need to make adjustments as the City and Fire Department evolves.

        We studied the Mercury report, the recommendations and the overall concept of the plan. We believe that the plan was under funded to accommodate for the appropriate apparatus to provide the service to the Citizens of Torrington. The Fire Department Administration had no input into the development of the plan for the Mercury study which could have assisted in providing more accurate analysis. The Mercury report carried the cost of the apparatus out on a 3% per year increase. With all the research we have done a cost increase of 5% a year would have been more accurate. Also the cost of an apparatus was based on the last 2 pumpers that the Department purchased. If Fire Department Administration had been consulted as to what the needs would be for the Department we could have given a more accurate figure of what the apparatus cost and needs would have been. I have compared the plan laid out in the Mercury report and
placed it along side the plan of the Fire Department Administration. The Administration agrees that this plan will provide the needed apparatus to provide for the most efficient operations for the citizens of the City of Torrington. The plan is projected out 17 years from 2010 through 2026. We compared the Mercury report at 5% and the Fire Department plan at 5% and with the implementation of the Fire Department plan we would save an estimated $ 2,176,131. I have researched the funding of the replacement account since the purchases of Engine 1 and Engine 3. The Fire Department budget has allocated 1,072,476 over that period of time with no expenditures for major apparatus. We have been told that this money has been allocated to the City wide replacement account.  The money was still part of the overall Fire Department budget as a separate line item for each of the past years.  The Fire Department Administration feels that the money that was accounted for in the Fire Department budget and should be available to fund our apparatus needs.
As for the funding of the apparatus replacement account our budget reflects our contribution to the fund to be $ 72,049 for the 2009-2010 budget years. This amount has been significantly decreased from the contribution of          $ 185,000 in the budget year 1999-2000.  For the Department to properly fund the account so that we can purchase the vehicles as per the Mercury Report the Department would have to increase our contribution $338,362or a total of $ 410,411 For the Department to properly fund the account as per the Fire Department plan it would have to increase our contribution           $ 210,355 or a total of $ 282,404.
At the present time $ 25,000 is placed into an account for Volunteer apparatus. At the present time there is $100,000 in the fund. The Fire Department administration feels that if we increase the fund $15,000 there would be money available to replace their vehicles when they came due using the parameters the Fleet Manager and the Deputy Chief agreed upon. There will be an explanation shortly as to how the vehicles will be replaced and rotated.
    The concept put forth through the Mercury Plan of purchasing vehicles with out having to finance would save money. If we could pay for the first vehicle from the fund and increase the contribution as stated above the Department Administration feels that we could accomplish the goal of replacing apparatus in a manner that will provide the most professional and efficient service for the Citizens of Torrington What follows is the plan of the Fire Department Administration.

Apparatus Replacement Plan
Based on the Fire Department Master Plan of 2006
2009

2010                    Pumper                  400,000 Headquarters

2012                    75’ Aerial/quint                551,250 East End

2104                    Pumper                  486,202 North End

2017                    100’ Tower/Ladder       1,181964        Headquarters

2022                    Pumper                  718,342 Headquarters

2024                    75’ Aerial/quint                989,965 East End

2026                    Pumper                  873,149 North End

There had been discussions for many years about replacing the Rescue. After review of the Master Plan and Department Operations. The Fire Department Administration feels with the apparatus we have planned we can work with TAC -9 and deal with anytime the State would request the vehicle. We feel that the vehicle TAC-9 should carry us through the year 2030. The Department feels that we could make recommendation as to the replacement after the year 2026 which at that time there may have been adjustments to the plan due to changes in the City, Department and technological advances.

        The plan would work as follows:

The new pumper bought in 2010 would go into Headquarters. Engine 1 would become a spare and Engine 5 would be retired. (We may need to keep Engine 5 as a spare if we are on the East end before 2012 so we could still have 2 spares in the fleet)

In 2012 we would purchase a 75’ aerial/quint to cover the East End, and if we were to be on the East end before 2012 we could use Engine 1as that engine. We still would have engine 2 as the spare engine.

In 2014 we would purchase a pumper that would go to the North End and Engine 3 would become one of our spare engines. Engine 2 would be retired or (Torringford asked if they could have it to replace Eng 14) we have to remember through all the discussions it was determined that we would have 2 spare apparatus to cover all Departments in the City.  

Due to funding and purchasing time tables I pushed off the 100’ tower/bucket ladder that would replace Ladder 2 from 2016 to 2017.

In 2022 when we start the next rotation replacing the vehicles we purchase in 2010-2014 we would be able to rotate a vehicle into the Volunteer Departments.  We would be able to rotate an Engine with 12 yrs and Engine #3 for a few years to assist the Volunteers with replacement(also there will be money that has grown in the Volunteer Apparatus account to assist with the purchasing of a vehicle for them).
 These vehicles would be for Burville and Drakeville we would decide at that time. Who would receive which one?  Torringford Eng 17 would not be slated for replacement until around 2030. This is all based on miles, hours and service of the vehicles.
        There has been an understanding through the multiple plans that we would have 2 spare apparatus to cover all of the departments. Each Volunteer Department would have a first line pumper and a utility/brush truck. Drakeville would be the one department with a Tanker as a 3rd piece of apparatus.

         We have spent many hours of deliberation and thought using all the material, reports, studies and plans. We feel that this plan will give the Torrington Fire Service the proper complement of apparatus to effectively and efficiently provide the service that the Torrington Fire Service and Citizens of the City of Torrington will need now and into the future.

Respectfully,
Gary Brunoli
Deputy Chief of Operations
Torrington Fire Department
City of Torrington