MINUTES BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY September 1, 2010
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, in the City Hall Auditorium. Those in attendance included Acting Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, members of the Board of Public Safety Richard Zaharek, James Potter, Christopher Cook, Douglas Benedetto and Darlene Battle, Police Chief Michael Maniago, Deputy Police Chief Christopher
Smedick, Fire Chief John Field, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Deputy Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Director of Operations at Campion Ambulance Fred Rosa, Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Lawrence Dauphanais, Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Ken Marques. Acting Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
MINUTES On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held August 11, 2010.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no one who wished to speak.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board considered Chief Field's Report, Deputy Chief Brunoli's Report, Fire Marshal's Report, and Training Officer's Report for the time periods indicated on their reports. Commissioner Benedetto questioned the comp time for a firefighter to attend computer training in Middlebury. Chief Field replied that is for their CAD system and computer software upgrades from their vendor in Middlebury. Commissioner Benedetto asked about the fire calls, saying on July 16th they responded to Perkins street for ‘crowd control’. Deputy Chief Brunoli said it may have been a three car accident, and that he’ll check and get back to Commissioner Benedetto. It was noted by Commissioner Benedetto that the Fire Department responded to 41 public service calls, and asked for a description or explanation in the next report. Chief Field said he’d submit a definition, as it’s a wide variety of things. Commissioner Potter asked about the protocol for multiple calls going on at the same time. Chief Field said when they have more
than one simultaneous call, other Fire Departments are called in and the closest unit available is sent. Commission Potter said he wants to ensure we take advantage of our own resources. Commissioner Benedetto asked for a report on the Chicago conference, to which Deputy Chief Brunoli replied this offers training in leadership skills and officer development. Commissioner Potter asked if the tanker bid has been awarded. Deputy Chief Brunoli said it has not, as he needs a few questions answered with Purchasing and Finance. Commissioner Cook asked about the sporadic medical assist calls. Deputy Chief Brunoli said if they need the Fire Department’s assistance, they do call, and some days are busier than others. Mr. Rosa pointed out that his report shows less calls, but thinks this may be due to the type of call. The Board voted unanimously to accept these reports.
DISCUSSION: SAFER GRANT Deputy Chief Brunoli requested the Board allow them to apply for the SAFER grant due 9/17/10, explaining that is a three year program, with the Federal Government paying for the first two years, and the City paying for the third year’s employee costs. The guidelines specify they will hire laid-off firefighters first, those threatened by lay-off second, fill positions vacated through attrition and not filled due to economic circumstances third, and finally hire new firefighters. He said they want to hire eight line personnel, four of which would be dual-role safety officer/inspector to help the Fire Marshal and also provide a Safety Officer on scene. The request is to submit the grant application, and if awarded they would come back for further approval. Commissioner Cook said the Police Dept. had a similar grant that specified that those particular employees couldn’t be removed, but a vacancy due to retirement did not have to be filled. Deputy Chief Brunoli said this is similar. Commissioner Cook asked for the average cost of one firefighter; Chief Field said it may be $80,000 before training costs, and that this grant will pay their salary and benefits in full, but not overtime salaries. Chief Field added they may have some retirements coming up, and this may make it easier. Commissioner Cook said he is in favor of being proactive, applying for grants, and asked that more information be supplied. Chief Field offered to send this information. Commissioner Potter asked what the time frame is, to which Deputy Chief Brunoli replied that it is usually eight or nine months.
ADD TO AGENDA On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to add to the agenda.
SAFER GRANT APPLICATION On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to approve Deputy Chief Brunoli’s application for the SAFER grant for the Fire Department.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board considered Chief Maniago's Report from July 2010 and Officer Shopey's letters dated August 26, 2010 regarding Special Events and Main Street Meter Removal. Commissioner Benedetto asked for an update on Stillwater Pond Rd. Deputy Chief Smedick said the area was checked on the evening shift, with no issues found that he’s
aware of. He added that the signs have been installed. Commissioner Battle had it clarified that since the signs went up, everything’s turned out well. Chief Maniago added that the community enhancement unit has been up there as well, they are taking that complaint seriously, and the no-parking signs will help. Commissioner Potter pointed out the Main Street Meter Removal had been previously discussed, and denied, by this Board, and questioned DOT’s involvement. Officer Shopey said he contacted them because of complaints received to see what our options were. He said the DOT has no record of having authorized those meters to begin with, they stated there was not enough travel room with parking on both sides, and they will re-align the center line to provide more room. Officer Shopey said the parking spaces are
used mostly for parents dropping off and picking up school children, and Commissioner Potter said there was some concern in the past that the spaces were needed for the churches. Officer Shopey said it is the State Traffic Commission’s decision. The Board voted unanimously to accept these reports.
EMS PROVIDER REPORTS On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report from Campion for July 2010. Commissioner Benedetto expressed a concern about City coverage now that we’re not working under a contract. He asked if we’re getting the same service, to which Mr. Rosa replied the service is exactly the same if not more. Commissioner Benedetto asked about the Department of Public Health standards for Ambulance service. Mr. Rosa explained Campion holds the position of primary service responder for all three categories in the City of Torrington -- First Responder, Basic Ambulance and Advanced Life Support. He said it’s a performance standard, where they should have the resources available and make them available to the City whether there is a contract or not.
BUS: DEPT HEADS On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. Chief Maniago reported the following: their new High School SRO, Officer Madelyn Farfan, started this week; the dispatch area technology upgrade received under a grant is complete, except for a side office; with another grant the records vault has been upgraded, doubling its capacity; a Department newsletter is going out via email; and Citizen Police Academy starts in two
weeks. Deputy Chief Brunoli thanked the Police Department for inviting them to 330 Highland Ave for the Community Event, working together to form a better relationship out in the community. Mr. Rosa asked about progress on the RFP. Atty. Weaver said she will be contacting them to set up a meeting soon. Commissioner Cook asked where we stand on the Campion contract, which ended July 1st, and if Campion is being paid month to month. Mr. Rosa replied they are not, and they are servicing the City according to the State guidelines. Commissioner Potter clarified they are required to service the City as PSA holders, by the State. Commissioner Benedetto
asked for an explanation about the PSA, saying we couldn’t change the ambulance service even if we wanted to, because they hold the PSA. Mr. Rosa said to take the PSA back, we’d have to petition the State and say that we (Campion) weren’t performing or living up to our contracts or our standards. He said it’s a performance issue, specifically set up that way to take politics pressure out of the equation and it would go to a hearing where the City would present evidence that Campion was either not fufilling its role, or it is, and the State would then make that determination. Commissioner Cook asked when Campion went for the PSA. Mr. Rosa said Campion has held it since 1985, for two reasons: 1) they bought Paramedical which had a PSA, and 2) the City relinquished all their PSAs to Campion at that time.
BUS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPTS. On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Volunteer Fire Departments. Burrville and Torringford thanked Torrington for their help with a hose test. Torringford said their free floor, won in a contest, should arrive in 3 to 4 weeks, and the Opticom
is still not working. Officer Shopey said the parts are in and they will work on it.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and members of the Board of Public Safety. Commissioner Zaharek asked about patrol dog fundraising progress, and Chief Maniago said they are about halfway through the cost of about 7 or 8 thousand dollars, and the new dog will be primary patrol, then trained for lost people or suspect search, plus drug search. Commissioner Benedetto asked about the Animal Control Officer. He pointed out that the patrol division handled 80% of those calls. Chief Maniago said there was some vacation time, off-peak hours, and weekends. Commissioner Benedetto asked if these officers are trained in handling animals. Chief Maniago said no, but police officers, like firefighters, are very resourceful and usually find a way to handle the scene. Commissioner Benedetto asked if the part-time help handles emergency situations. Chief Maniago said not everything is done by the part-time employee as the funds are limited. Commissioner Potter asked for a progress report on the grants for the EOC addition to the building. Deputy
Chief Brunoli said he submitted the final corrections for the $850,000 technology grant and contacted the State regarding the construction money, without receiving a reply yet. He said the Mayor’s office is working with officials in Washington to try and push the money along, and the generator grant purchase order has been issued. Deputy Chief Brunoli met with officials from the statewide emergency telecommunications regarding the funds of up to $250,000 that they will supply for the transition combining the two dispatch centers. He said they were very impressed with the project, offering assistance getting the paperwork completed. Commissioner Cook pointed out the Fire Department’s earned comp time was down to three firefighters. Deputy Chief Brunoli said they hadn’t been doing any training
where the comp time was afforded. Chief Field said there will be more in September and October due to Fire Prevention programs in the schools. Commissioner Cook commended Police Officers Sultaire and Pisarski for their help at the Police Academy. Commissioner Battle asked about the SRO for the Middle School. Chief Maniago said they are still going through the hiring process and it won’t be until after the first of the year. Commissioner Battle asked if the Civilian Police Academy has reached capacity and Chief Maniago replied that it is just about full. Commissioner Benedetto asked Chief Maniago about the clean and sober house on Pulaski Street, saying the neighbors complain about the noise, foul language, and foul music. He asked if a patrol could be sent there. Chief Maniago said he preferred to proactively mitigate it out with the person who runs the house, as it’s their responsibility. He said he would also send a patrol. Chief Field said there are no fire code violations.
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