MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
February 10, 2011
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Thursday, February 10, 2011, in the City Hall Auditorium, having been adjourned from February 1, 2011.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, members of the Board of Public Safety Angelo LaMonica, Richard Zaharek, Douglas Benedetto, James Potter, 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, Fire Marshal Timothy Tharau, Director of Operations at Campion Ambulance Fred Rosa, City Clerk Joseph Quartiero, Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Lawrence Dauphanais, Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Ken Marques, Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Maccalous, and Emergency Management Director Rick Dalla Valle. Commissioner Cook was absent.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held December 1, 2010.
PRESENTATION: CT FIRE PREVENTION POSTER WINNERS
Fire Marshal Tharau and Mayor Bingham presented awards to the following fourth and fifth grade poster contest winners: Jasmine Enclada, Joseph Persechino, Christopher Root, and Kiana Lafleur.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the Board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Mr. Jim Locche of South Street expressed concern regarding past disturbances of the peace in his back yard coming from a bar and restaurant whose clientele create a lot of noise and swearing. This resulted in a Cease and Desist Order in the past, he said. In response to his question about what could be done to keep this from happening again, Chief Maniago suggested they meet to go over some solutions, fashion a response, and be proactive about it.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the Board voted unanimously to enter executive session at 6:38 pm.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to enter open session at 7:15 pm.
POLICE PROMOTION
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to promote Off. John Joseph to the position of Sergeant effective February 22, 2011.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to promote Off. Michael D’Autorio to the position of Sergeant effective April 6, 2011.
FIRE FIGHTER PERMANENT STATUS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the Board voted unanimously to appoint PFF Robert Shopey, III, PFF Konstantin Tartakovsky and PFF Michael Brown to permanent status at the Torrington Fire Department. Chief Field said all three have finished their probationary period and are excellent fire fighters.
POLICE DEPT. REROOFING WORK
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to award the Reroofing and Related Work for TPD project to The Imperial Co., Inc. of Cromwell, CT in the amount of $187,000, having been approved by City Council on Feb. 7, 2011. Commissioner Benedetto asked about the wide range of bids and if the same quality of work could be expected. Mayor Bingham said there was an Architect involved, everything was kept on an equal footing, the Architect recommended this company base on past experience and their references were checked. Commissioner Benedetto asked if we can be sure to get what we pay for. Mayor Bingham said the Architect is assuring this.
AMMUNITION PURCHASE
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to purchase ammunition off the State Contract from Eagle Point Gun in Thorofare, NJ in the amount of $13,027.93, having been approved by City Council on Feb. 7, 2011. Chief Maniago added that about $10,000 would be saved.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field=s Report dated November 24, 2010.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Field=s Report dated January 25, 2011.
Commissioner Benedetto questioned Chief Field on the List of Incidents and asked for an explanation on how they are logged into the report. Chief Field said there are specific categories based on the specifics of the incidents themselves. Commissioner Benedetto asked that more information be provided on the Good Intent, Public Service category.
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Brunoli's Report dated December 28, 2010. Commissioner Benedetto questioned the Deputy Chief’s road trip to see a truck. Deputy Chief Brunoli reported he will do a final inspection and the delivery date will be in early March.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Brunoli's Report dated January 25, 2011.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to add to the agenda.
FIRE TRUCK
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted to approve moving the purchase of a 75’ Quint Fire Truck, moving it ahead one year from 2012 to 2011, on the Vehicle Replacement Plan schedule.
Deputy Chief Brunoli explained it would save the city about $80,000, and reduce fuel and maintenance costs through the use of Green Star Technology which puts an idling fire truck into a generator system and shuts the motor off, saving about 75% on fuel usage. He said this purchase fits into the Department’s strategic plan and helps save money.
Commissioner Benedetto expressed concern about spending money, with the way the economy is and taxpayers already paying enough. Mayor Bingham explained that this disciplined account has been budgeted appropriately over a period of time so that no matter what the economy looks like, the money is available when the need exists and won’t be spent on anything else.
Commissioner Benedetto questioned the need for this truck. Deputy Chief Brunoli said in 2012 it will cost $80,000 more, and Ladder 2 has been out of service quite a bit. This new truck will help provide better service to our citizens.
Commissioner Potter said we are replacing two trucks that are 22 and 25 years old and in the end the City will save a lot of money and the Vehicle Replacement Plan will be smoother.
Mayor Bingham added that the positive thing about the City of Torrington is that we have plans like this and we’re able to make purchases in tough times. It makes financial sense, he said.
The motion was passed with a vote of 4 to1, with Commissioner Benedetto opposed.
FIRE MARSHAL'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal's Report dated December 10, 2010.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal's Report dated January 4, 2011.
Commissioner Potter thanked the Fire Marshal for the Fire Prevention Poster Program.
TRAINING OFFICER'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Training Officer's Report dated January 25, 2011.
FIRE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
Chief Field explained he provided this because it’s good to know what we did in the past year as we move into budget season.
Commissioner Benedetto made a motion to table discussion of this report. It was seconded by Commissioner Zaharek and unanimously approved.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Maniago's Report from November 2010.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about changes to the school response plan. Chief Maniago said the SERT Commanders were making recommendations, and they were in the process of finalizing it with Mr. Bascetta, Director of Facilities.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Maniago's Report from December 2010.
OFFICER SHOPEY’S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Bendetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s Report from November 2010.
Commissioner Benedetto questioned $337,255 of unpaid fines, with zero boot letters sent out. Chief Maniago said Officer Shopey’s daily duties are prioritized. Commissioner Benedetto commended the traffic enforcement work. Chief Maniago added that in 2010 there were 4000 more motor vehicle stops than the previous year and almost 200 less motor vehicle accidents.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Bendetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s Report from December 2010.
PARKING NEAR 459 MIGEON AVE.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board considered approval of Officer Pisarski’s recommendation to install two parking spaces, clearly posted “No Parking during School Hours”, in the area of 459 Migeon Ave, tabled on November 3rd and December 1st of 2010.
Commissioner Potter clarified that this is for the two proposed parking spaces in front of the medical building, it was requested that more spaces be allowed further south on Migeon Ave, and Officer Shopey was asked to talk to the property owners and investigate road widths.
Officer Shopey said he spoke with property owners at both 427 and 433 Migeon Ave. Neither concurred with the proposed parking spaces in front of their home and both expressed a fear that they would have sight issues exiting their driveways, and being unable to turn out of their driveway. He recommended the two proposed spaces remain at 459 Migeon Ave.
The motion was unanimously approved.
EMS PROVIDER REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report from Campion for November 2010.
Commissioner Benedetto asked for a clarification on the tracking of first responders. Mr. Rosa said others are not the designated first responder, and therefore not tracked.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report from Campion for December 2010.
MOU: CAMPION AMBULANCE
Commissioner Potter made a motion to discuss this. He asked Mr. Rosa about a comment made by Mr. Campion to the newspaper that the agreement would make things more flexible for Campion Ambulance. Mr. Rosa said it means Campion can move resources where they want; that they are guaranteeing coverage on the BLS and ALS level, and how they do it is a business model. They will not keep vehicles dormant just in case. Commissioner Potter asked if this would affect response time, and Mayor Bingham said there was no response time specified in the previous contract, and their current average is 6 minutes. Where the resources are is secondary to how fast they are getting to incidents, he said.
Mayor Bingham said the way to keep Campion’s commitment of trying to keep a 6 minute response time is to stay on top of EMS Provider Activity Reports, and communicating directly to the EMS Advisory Board. Complaints to the EMS Advisory Committee against Campion, if forwarded to the State, will go against their record as the PSA license holder. He said we’ve seen great service from Campion, and we’ll probably continue to have that.
Mayor Bingham said if there is a change in care, then we will react appropriately.
Commissioner Potter expressed concern that the Fire Dept would be leaned on so that Campion Ambulance can be more flexible.
Deputy Chief Brunoli said Campion agreed to the option of an 8-minute response time 90% of the time, along with the Fire Dept being involved in Echo, Delta and Charlie calls which are all life threatening. The EMS Committee for the Fire Dept. went through those calls and broke them down even further, he said, and we will respond to a certain few life threatening calls, to make service better.
Mr. Rosa said they’ve beefed up their staff, because if Campion wants to stay in business they have to perform well.
Commissioner Potter asked if Campion will have enough manpower at cardiac calls and if they will reply on the Fire Department to help with transport.
Mayor Bingham said this point may be valid but doesn’t necessarily belong in this discussion. He said whether we have a Memo of Understanding or a Contract with Campion, they still have the same number of vehicles here and that may necessitate a fire fighter being involved.
Commissioner Potter said Campion assures they will have enough people to cover calls in the City but aren’t assuring they won’t be dependant on Fire Dept. personnel to supplement Campion’s manpower shortages.
Mr. Rosa said Campion’s efforts are driven by patient care.
Commissioner Potter said he is concerned that Fire Dept. personnel are not seat belted in when helping a cardiac patient in an ambulance, as they should be to comply with Fire Dept. policy. He said this is a potential liability and there’s no need for the Fire Dept. to be involved in the transportation of patients.
Mayor Bingham said he believes that particular issue has been resolved to some extent and the EMS Advisory Committee is working on some solutions.
Commissioner Benedetto said you have to work together and noted that Lt. Sterling, FF Delisle and FF Brown saved a life with Campion Ambulance. He said he thinks the system is working. Mr. Rosa added that we have one of the best systems in the state based on outcome and our outcomes are tremendous.
Commissioner Potter said the Fire Dept. is responding to these calls in order to have a quicker response than Campion, and to start with the care. Campion’s job is to transport once the patient is loaded in the ambulance, and Commissioner Potter said he cannot justify fire fighters assisting in the transport. He added the Fire Dept. has continuously said over the years that they are short of manpower, so they shouldn’t be tied up for transport and it’s not fair to citizens of Torrington.
Commissioner Benedetto said this is all about care for the people. Commissioner Potter said you can’t tell the Fire Department to go against its own policies.
Mayor Bingham repeated that this conversation doesn’t affect the MOU, and that concerns should be brought to the EMS Advisory Board for potential solutions. That problem existed when we paid $200,000 for 2 ambulances and a paramedic, he said, and still exists when we’re not going to pay. Residents are still going to get the same level of care from Campion whether they are stationed in Torrington or not. He invited Commissioner Potter to the EMS Advisory Board meetings. Commissioner Potter suggested meeting with the Fire Dept.’s Policy Committee as well.
The Board voted unanimously to accept the Memorandum of Understanding between Campion Ambulance Service, Inc. and the City of Torrington, having been approved by City Council on February 7, 2011.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Director’s Report for November, 2010.
Mr. Dalla Valle reported that FEMA grant money may be available, having applied for $115,923.98 reimbursement for overtime monies spent during the major storm between January 11 and January 13, 2011.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Director’s Report for December, 2010.
BUS: DEPT HEADS
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Chief Maniago complimented the Accident Investigation Team and Specialized Traffic Enforcement personnel who worked on November and December’s tragedies. He added the Street Dept., Fire Dept., Police Dept. and Campion Ambulance have all worked together as a team through the tough weather and borne the fruit of success.
Chief Field reported that everything has worked out great with the different agencies during the snowy weather. He expects a FEMA grant of $195,000 for a Class A Live Burn Trailer to help the Fire Dept. meet OSHA compliance for quarterly training. He added that construction has started on the EOC.
Deputy Chief Brunoli reported the EOC is moving ahead and the transition team meets every other week to ensure all the systems are in. There has been nothing but great cooperation between everyone involved to get this project completed. He said he can assure the Board that we will be dispatching out of 111 Water St by July 1st as he spends 80% of his time just making sure everything stays on track. He personally thanked FF Dan Kibbe, Edwin Pollock, and Jeffrey French, acknowledging their service to the City and what they did for the Fire Dept. He said their experience will be hard to replace.
Mr. Rosa commended the cooperation between Departments and thanked both the Street Dept. and the citizens of Torrington for coming to their aid and shoveling when roads were almost impassible in the snow.
Mr. Dalla Valle reported on the gas leak on Main St. on Jan. 29th. The multi-agency effort went very smoothly he said.
BUS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPTS.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Volunteer Fire Departments.
Burrville Chief Marques expressed concern about the height of a snow bank at Burrville VFD. Deputy Chief Brunoli said he contacted the Street Dept. and Mayor Bingham said he would follow up with an email.
Drakeville Chief Maccalous said they will have a comedy/dinner show fundraiser at the Elks on March 26th.
Torringford Chief Dauphanais said he is concerned about the bridge of snow that the snow plows create at the edge of Torringford VFD’s driveway, and asked that snow plow drivers check this more frequently, especially during a storm.
He reported that all their Fire Police took a refresher course in Winsted.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner LaMonica commended each Department for doing a great job during November and December, and Mr. Dalla Valle for the quick response during the gas leak. He commended Deputy Chief Smedick for the great job done on the DARE program honoring Glenn Royals.
Commissioner Zaharek made a point of observation that there’s a lot of energy here, with all the Departments cooperating, depending on each other, and getting the job done. He said it looks good and shows professionalism.
Commissioner Benedetto thanked Fire Fighters Kibbe, Pollock and French for their years of service as they were assets to the Fire Dept. and will be missed. He noted that Officer Jason Cooling is going to Afghanistan and wished he remain safe and well. He said he received a phone call from a grateful woman whose keys were recovered by the Fire Dept. and noted that the Fire Dept. has trouble getting down Water St. He asked the Board consider the elimination of parking there. Mayor Bingham said one side is eliminated and we’ll have to improve enforcement. Commissioner Benedetto said the traffic lights cause a delay for the fire trucks.
Commissioner Potter congratulated the new Police Sergeants and the recent Fire Dept. retirees. He added that it’s been a tough winter for everyone and that he thinks everyone is doing a good job.
Commissioner Battle said she agrees with everything that has been said, appreciates the service and the work, and asked about the Middle School SRO. Chief Maniago said Officer Wityak has been assigned, and the Board of Education will pay half his salary.
Mayor Bingham noted the upcoming Town Hall Meeting with Governor Malloy on February 24th from 7 to 8 pm.
Mr. Rosa thanked Deputy Chief Smedick for swinging into action when a medic was impeded in his progress by a person failing to grant the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:36 pm.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Assistant City Clerk
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