MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
April 6, 2011
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, in the City Hall Auditorium.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, Corporation Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, members of the Board of Public Safety Angelo LaMonica, Richard Zaharek, Douglas Benedetto, James Potter, Darlene Battle and Christopher Cook, Police Chief Michael Maniago, 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, Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Maccalous, and Emergency Management Director Rick Dalla Valle.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
POLICE SERGEANT M. D’Autorio
Chief Maniago expressed pride in his Department as Police Sergeant Michael D’Autorio was given the Oath of Office by Mayor Bingham.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the following minutes:
Regular Meeting held February 10, 2011
Regular Meeting held March 2, 2011
Special Meeting regarding Budgets held March 8, 2011
Special Meeting regarding a Fire Truck held March 8, 2011
Special Meeting regarding Budgets held March 22, 2011
Special Meeting regarding Dispatch Purchases held March 30, 2011
Special Meeting regarding Budgets held jointly with City Council on March 30, 2011
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, 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 Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Chief’s report dated February 28, 2011.
Commissioner Potter asked for clarification on the reporting periods. Chief Field explained that because meetings are the first Wednesday of the month, the reporting period is one month behind.
Commissioner Cook asked about automatic extra duty call-ins for structure fires. Chief Field said once the crews are committed to an extended period of time, they will put Volunteers in station and do a call back. Commissioner Cook asked if there is a reimbursement for Mutual Aid. Chief Field said it depends on the type of incident.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Chief’s report dated March 30, 2011.
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Brunoli's Report dated March 29, 2011.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about the Transition Committee. Deputy Chief Brunoli said it is comprised of members of LCD, the Police Dept., Police Dispatch, and the Fire Dept. He said it’s going well.
Commissioner Benedetto questioned water damage calls, and if local businesses are contacted. Deputy Chief Brunoli said those determinations are on a call-by-call basis. Chief Field added that they are very careful to recommend that businesses be contacted by the homeowner.
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 for February 2011.
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 March 31, 2011.
FIRE DEPT. STRATEGIC PLAN
Chief Field said this is a five year game plan indicating the direction they want to take and that it includes some items that have already been implemented. They did an analysis, looked at strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and looked at their mission statement, core values, and vision. These were modified if needed. They listed
standards and regulations that they have to be concerned with, and established nine goals. They set time frames and created some objectives to accomplish those goals. Chief Field said they had a very good discussion and requested consensus approval.
Commissioner Cook made a motion to tentatively approve the Strategic Plan, saving full approval for next month.
There was no second. Mayor Bingham said this will be put on next month’s agenda for full approval.
Commissioner Zaharek asked about accreditation. Chief Field said he is looking into it and it may cost approximately $5,000 to $7,000. Commissioner Zaharek noted that professional accreditation has added benefits when applying for grant money.
FIRE MARSHAL LIST: J. Howe
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Firefighter Jarred Howe to the Fire Marshal List.
Chief Field explained that when a firefighter is certified as a Fire Marshal, he appoints them as Deputy Fire Marshal in case they are needed to assist the Fire Marshal’s office in any way. He said approximately eight personnel are on that list, there is no stipend involved and they may receive overtime pay if necessary. Chief Field noted that if they aren’t deputized, they cannot legally serve the Fire Marshal’s office regardless of their certification.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Maniago's Report for February 2011.
Commissioner Potter asked what the overtime cost was for Governor Malloy’s Town Hall Meeting. Chief Maniago said he would supply this information later in the meeting.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about the School Response Plan. Chief Maniago said Mr. Bascetta is finalizing it. He said he’s offered his SERT team to do training at each school for free.
Commissioner Cook noted that as of April 23rd the Captains are going to swap their rolls. Chief Maniago said he is reorganizing his Department.
OFFICER SHOPEY’S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s Report for February 2011.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about the arrow going into Price Chopper. Officer Shopey said he is waiting for a reply from the State and he will beef up the patrol in that area.
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 February 2011. Mr. Rosa said the new vans will arrive in a month.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Director’s Report for February 2011. Mr. Dalla Valle updated the Board on the FEMA grant progress.
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 said it looks like 60 hours of overtime was expended on the Governor’s visit, equating to approximately $2000. He said this expense was prudent and wise for the Governor’s protection especially since there was a minor incident at one of the Town Hall meetings prior to that. He said being prepared is better for us liability-wise, reputation-wise, and professionally. He added that a Thank You was received from the Governor’s office saying they were impressed and grateful for the security provided, and we set the bar for the Governor’s security in other towns.
Chief Maniago said two recruits have graduated from the academy bringing the Police Department up to 85.
He said Captain Balzano will take over Support Services as of May 1st, and Captain Schaller will take over Patrol. Chief Maniago said he will be making changes in the Detective Bureau, Special Assignments, and Narcotics. Further reorganization will occur in the summer. He said these changes are to keep a fresh perspective in the divisions.
Chief Maniago concluded with a recommendation to lift the parking ban.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to add to the agenda.
LIFT PARKING BAN
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to lift the parking ban established on February 4, 2011 which allowed parking only on the even side of the street City-wide and no parking at all on the named streets.
BUS: DEPT HEADS CONT’D
Chief Field said one of the new firefighters has resigned, leaving four vacancies. He said they will have a local volunteer serve as an intern from the University of New Haven over the summer.
Deputy Chief Brunoli said the new engine will be delivered on Friday, the new 75’ ladder should be here around the 1st of May, the Drakeville tanker is in production and should be delivered in about 60 days. A $250,000 transition grant was received through the office of Emergency Telecommunications, who approved some sole source work for vendors who do all the 9-1-1 and communications work for the State of Connecticut. He said the Department will participate in a careers program through the Chamber of Commerce. Deputy Chief Brunoli thanked the Purchasing Agent and Comptroller for the work done on the new EOC project. He requested the Board consider the purchase of a new phone system for the EOC.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to add to the agenda.
Deputy Chief Brunoli explained that none of the dispatch grants included a phone system. Using the current phone vendor’s specifications, they went out to bid. It was learned that the platform wasn’t the correct one, and doesn’t allow for growth. His recommendation is a voice over IP system, which will never lose service, and can grow to 65,000 users.
Deputy Chief Brunoli said it will allow other city agencies to piggy-back onto the system at a reasonable cost, and that this purchase for the Dispatch Center will be funded through current Police and Fire Department budgets.
DISPATCH CTR PHONE SYSTEM
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the Purchasing Agent to purchase a phone system and installation to connect the PD/FD to the new Dispatch center through the National Joint Power Alliance from Mitel Corporation in the amount of $65,558.10 using current PD and FD funds.
BUS: DEPT HEADS CONT’D
Mr. Rosa noted that when events occur that are of the magnitude of Governor Malloy’s visit, the EMS provider should be notified in order to be prepared to reposition units.
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 spoke of a successful membership drive and wrestling show, with five new members and three more possible members. They received a grant for turnout gear.
Drakeville Chief Maccalous said he had nothing to report this month.
Torringford Chief Dauphanais said Torringford VFD would like to borrow one of Torrington’s pumpers when they are replaced, and will discuss this at the next Fire Service Coordination Meeting.
Commissioner Benedetto questioned East side coverage when Torringford’s truck was sent to Nepaug during a New Hartford fire. Chief Dauphanais said downtown would cover the East side.
Chief Dauphanais added that although Torringford VFD has enough manpower, they are disheartened that there isn’t a second truck for them to use.
Deputy Chief Brunoli said their plans were to sell those vehicles, there’s no need for more pumpers in the City, and discussions will continue.
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 LaMonica said he enjoyed reading residents’ letters, that Deputy Chief Brunoli is also doing a great job and commended those who participated in the Fire Dept. and Police Dept. basketball game.
Commissioner Zaharek commended those who participated in the Fire Dept. and Police Dept. basketball game.
Commissioner Benedetto congratulated Sgt. D’Autorio and also thanked those who participated in the Fire Dept. and Police Dept. basketball game. He said $3800 was raised.
Commissioner Potter asked Chief Field about lockout calls. Chief Field assured him that the policy is being followed.
Commission Potter asked for a clarification of the Fire Dept.’s Medical Calls vs. Campion’s Fire Dept. Assists. Chief Field said the categories are done differently. Commissioner Potter asked if the training division could speed up the new Burrville Volunteer Firefighters’ training to the Yellow Hat level. Chief Field said he will look into that and requested their training officer meet with his.
Commissioner Cook said he agrees that Chief Maniago made a prudent decision in Governor Malloy’s security. He asked about a letter sent to a resident regarding a chimney fire. Chief Field said every year for the past three years they’ve gone to the same address for a chimney fire due to improper maintenance, and this year they’ve sent a letter to try to be proactive. Commissioner Cook noted another resident’s nice letter sent to Officer Giordano thanking him after a ticket was given out.
Commissioner Battle congratulated the Fire Dept. on the basketball game, and said she thought the Police Department handled the Governor’s event very well.
Mayor Bingham said there should be information coming back from the Actuaries regarding reductions in Fire Department staff vs. the pension costs. He asked Commissioner Potter, the Chiefs and the Budget Subcommittee to get back together to review it.
He said the Farmer’s Market won’t be held at the Plaza and thanked Chief Maniago and Officer Shopey for helping them find a new location.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Assistant City Clerk
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