MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
JULY 6, 2011
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held on Wednesday, July 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, Deputy Police Chief Christopher Smedick, Fire Chief John Field, Deputy Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Acting Traffic Officer Steven Pisarski, Emergency Management Director Rick Dalla Valle, Director of Operations at Campion Ambulance Fred Rosa, Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief James Newkirk, Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Ken Marques, and Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Maccalous.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
OATH OF OFFICE – Det. Fador
Chief Maniago announced that Detective Todd Fador, a 9 year veteran of the Police Dept. and member of the Accident Investigation Team, just completed a 6 month tour on a special assignment, and will be an outstanding addition to the Detective Division. Mayor Bingham took Detective Fador's oath of office.
PRESENTATION – 24 YRS. SVC., ACO BONACASCIO
Chief Maniago announced the retirement of Animal Control Officer Anthony Bonacascio, saying he's done an outstanding job for 24 years as a loyal and faithful employee.
He introduced Caitlin Nield as the new A.C.O.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held June 1, 2011. Commissioner Benedetto abstained.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to open
the meeting to the public.
Ms. Julie Windsor spoke about an incident that occurred at a soup kitchen, saying inaccuracies shouldn't be allowed to
stand in police reports and she is looking for some kind of redress. Chief Maniago said Sgt. Recchini and Capt. Balzano tried to resolve this issue. He said anything can be added to the police report, but the original report will stand as is. Ms. Windsor further stated that abuse victims should not be questioned in front of the abuser or a large crowd.
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 May, 2011.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if there were any violations at the Funston Avenue bar. Chief Maniago said there were none, and the residents were extremely pleased.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about the Chief's trip to Quantico, VA. Chief Maniago said the two-week leadership development course offered education in Risk Management, Leadership Ethics, Role Modeling, Developing and Mentoring Personnel, Stress within the Organization and Officer Suicide. Commissioner Cook asked if this can be brought back and shared with Police staff, and Chief Maniago replied that it can. Commissioner Battle asked what ideas they had for Officer Suicide. Chief Maniago said it's important to have an employee assistance program and bring it in every year, to encourage officers to talk to one another and their supervisors, to have an open door policy, and to offer training centered around officer safety.
Commissioner Bendetto questioned the Chief Executive class. Chief Maniago explained it is for Lieutenants and higher, to give everybody the chance to compete with the knowledge necessary to do the job above them and lead the people they are responsible for. Commissioner Cook asked how it will be paid for. Chief Maniago said it comes from the training line item along with some asset forfeiture.
OFFICER SHOPEY’S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider Officer Shopey’s Report for May, 2011.
In answer to Commissioner Benedetto's questions, Officer Pisarski said 200 boot letters and 150 regular letters were sent in May. He said the Amnesty Program has brought in about $1900 for 157 tickets.
Commissioner Benedetto noted that traffic accident injuries are on the rise again.
Chief Maniago said traffic enforcement has been working and the community enhancement unit will do some work, predicated on some overtime usage. Traffic enforcement is the key to reducing accidents, he said.
Commissioner Benedetto requested reports on the underage drinking grants and the DUI.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Chief’s report dated June 29, 2011.
Commissioner Benedetto asked how progress is on the hiring process. Chief Field said State Laws restrict this process and they are still working on it. Commissioner Benedetto requested the subcommittee be included, and asked about the "Magic Motion" program. Chief Field replied it went very well.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if there was a policy change regarding EMS calls. Chief Field said they were trying to clarify the responses. He said the new dispatching is based on Emergency Medical Dispatch and they wanted to make sure they were all on the same page. Commissioner Potter asked to see a copy of the policy contained in the Dispatch CAD system.
Deputy Chief Brunoli said each category is broken out by district. Chief Field said he'd try, but it's complicated as five districts have become eight.
Commissioner Benedetto asked for a clarification of the difference in north end response time and south end response time. Deputy Chief explained the engine assignments and the district breakdowns.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT CONTINUED
Chief Field offered to try to provide a copy of these breakdowns. He said the district breakdowns and response times are all based on their policy which has been given to the Commissioners.
Commissioner Potter said it seems that if three Engine companies and a Ladder company are being run, there should always be an Engine company available in the downtown area.
Deputy Chief Brunoli said the automatic alarm response was reduced to two career pieces and the volunteer companies that are in their district, allowing them to keep other units back to cover the City or whichever district wasn't responding. In the last week this has allowed them to cover three simultaneous calls several times.
Chief Field said the CAD is completely based on what the information is from the caller, the type of incident and what district it occurs in.
Commissioner Benedetto noted that the Captain is back in the Ladder truck, after a fly car was purchased for his use.
Deputy Chief Brunoli said they are short-staffed, that this was specified in the LCD contract, and they are trying to make their service better city-wide.
Chief Field noted that this is new, and is being evaluated.
Commissioner Potter said he agreed with Commissioner Benedetto in that the car was purchased for a reason. Commissioner Benedetto said it was for response time -- to get the Captain first on-scene.
Deputy Chief Brunoli reiterated that they are trying to provide the best service to the citizens and having more equipment on the road is more important than having a Captain in a fly car.
Chief Field asked for a few months to let the dust settle before this is evaluated.
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Brunoli's Report for June 29, 2011.
FIRE MARSHAL'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal's Report dated June 13, 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 June 30, 2011.
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 May, 2011.
Commissioner Potter asked about Campion's meeting with the Fire Department. Mr. Rosa reported that they looked at the categories and added four: trench rescue, electrocution, drowning, things that would be a Fire Department response anyway. He said they are in agreement.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Director’s Report for May, 2011.
Commissioner Cook asked about the two documents he's waiting for from the Board of Education.
Mr. Dalla Valle said it has all been submitted, and he is waiting for FEMA to make a decision on reimbursement. He told the Board that they have been given a copy of the 2012 updated Emergency Operations Plan, which includes a brand new transportation plan done by NW Transit District, and a location for emergency volunteers to meet if communications are down.
Commissioner Zaharek asked how many volunteers could be found. Mr. Dalla Valle said there may be hundreds of people out there who are trained in emergency response, but only 6 people were garnered through his newspaper ads. There are now about 25 volunteers, he said, including a Point of Distribution Manager who operates an amateur radio, and a complete CERT team of amateur radio operators that he will have access to.
BUS: DEPT HEADS
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Mr. Dalla Valle spoke about the June 25th incident, giving accolades to the Fire Police, the Fire Department, the Police Department, Campion Ambulance, and all who offered goods and services. He said he was proud to be a part of that.
Deputy Chief Brunoli said he received a letter from the tanker's manufacturer, Vermont Technologies, thanking us for being able to display the unit at the Fire Chief's show. He said the Police Department dispatch was moved over to Water Street today and will be moved into the new facility next Thursday.
Chief Field said they are eliminating one of their trailers, after receiving a hazmat trailer through federal grant funding, and consolidating some of their equipment. They are donating it to Torrington Area Health, he said. Chief Field announced the retirement of Deputy Fire Marshal Francis Hines after 25 years service.
Chief Maniago thanked the Fire Department, Emergency Management Director, Campion Ambulance, the Fire Police, and the countless number of people who helped out on June 25th. The operation went off well, and the amount of time spent was textbook. He said this incident points out the need for the CERT team. Both he and Deputy Chief Smedick were very proud of everyone and all the help received.
Deputy Chief Smedick reported that the DARE car show was a great success. He said that next week they hope to complete the new radio system transition from 800 Mhz to high band making the Police radios interoperable with the Fire Dept. and Emergency services within the City and in surrounding towns. This will improve their coverage from 75% to about 96%.
BUS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPTS.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Volunteer Fire Departments.
Burrville Chief Ken Marques reported that delivery of their new turnout gear, purchased with grant money, is expected August 1st. Their pagers have been converted to new frequencies, and he thanked Chief Maccalous and Don Nelson for their help.
Drakeville Chief Mike Maccalous invited all to their annual meeting July 8th, and announced a pancake breakfast and open house for their new bay and tanker. He said they were disappointed and shocked that the writing, saying "City of Torrington", on the new tanker wasn't discussed with them first. Due to the lack of communication, he said they feel as though they don't have any say at all. Deputy Chief Brunoli offered his apologies for this.
Torringford Chief Jim Newkirk, announced their car show July 8th, and said their annual meeting was changed from
Tuesday July 12 to Wednesday July 13.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS
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.
Commissioner Battle asked about emergency training. Mr. Dalla Valle explained it is offered by Tom Vannini at the NW CT Community College for no charge, and can be found in their booklet.
Commissioner Cook noted that the Emergency Management Director did a good job on June 25th and that everything went well. He asked what the EMD's role was at that incident. Mr. Dalla Valle said he was there to get evacuees transported out and back, to provide food and to provide a shelter area. His position was to make sure there was a place for people to go, transportation for them to get there, and that water and food are provided for people on scene to sustain them through the incident.
Chief Maniago clarified that he does want the EMD at these scenes, as the EMD provides a valuable service, alleviating police officers from having to play a dual role, and allowing them to concentrate on what they need to concentrate on. Mr. Dalla Valle said he takes instructions entirely from the incident commander.
Chief Maniago said it was a fluid situation and he appreciates the cooperation he received from every Board member and the Mayor.
Commissioner Potter noted that they are preparing to put Engine 2 and Engine 5 up for sale, leaving the whole City with only one spare. Deputy Chief Brunoli explained that two new trucks were purchased because these were getting old. Keeping Engine 2 might not be bad idea, he said, but a lot of money is being put into it for service. He asked if it is cost effective to keep it, with money spent to test it every year, and equipment kept on board, as well as the need to avoid excessive inventory. In answer to Commissioner Benedetto's question, Deputy Chief Brunoli said this pumper would sell for around $9000. Commissioner Potter asked for better numbers on what it might cost to keep the truck.
Mayor Bingham asked if they are talking about keeping this truck with the Volunteer Departments or the Career Departments. Commissioner Potter said it depends on who has room for it. Mayor Bingham suggested this be considered at the next Fire Service Coordination Committee meeting.
Deputy Chief Brunoli said another issue to consider is that dual ownership leads to questions about who maintains the vehicle, and that it should be clarified as to who would maintain the spare engine regardless of ownership.
Commissioner Potter noted that these pumpers being considered for sale could be used by the both City and the Volunteers as a spare, as they could easily be shortchanged if two trucks broke down at the same time. He wondered how much it will cost to keep one of those trucks, and if that cost can be squeezed into the existing budget. Deputy Chief Brunoli said it's a service issue.
Committer Potter said he would like to move forward with putting TAC 9 at Torringford Station. Mayor Bingham said to wait for the next meeting for this. Chief Field said there is an upcoming meeting about the whole package. Commissioner Potter asked why TAC 9 is part of that package. Deputy Chief Brunoli said it was a whole package to do what we could with our equipment and provide service for the City. He said a Career piece on the east end would cover the north and east ends of the City within four minutes, providing a better service at no extra cost for the citizens they are protecting.
Mayor Bingham said Corporation Counsel will help draft the agreement between Torringford and the City with regard to TAC 9. If there are additional agreements needed, they will be addressed.
Commissioner Potter asked what the LCD reports will be. Chief Field said the reports will be no different.
Commissioner Benedetto said there was another accident in the same spot that has been discussed for seven years – the entrance to Price Chopper and Walmart. Chief Maniago said we are at the mercy of the State DOT and we don't know what their priorities are. He said Officer Shopey has been diligent in contacting them every time it has been brought up.
Mayor Bingham suggested Chief Maniago consolidate all the documentation and email it to our legislative delegation.
Chief Maniago said it is a high-volume area with a lot of speed involved and some very dangerous intersections.
Commissioner Benedetto wished Caitlin Nield good luck in her new position as ACO.
Commissioner Zaharek commended the job well done on June 25th.
Commissioner LaMonica agreed.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn
at 7:52 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Assistant City Clerk
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