MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
OCTOBER 19, 2011 - Adjourned from October 5, 2011
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, having been adjourned from October 5, 2011.
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,
Deputy Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Emergency Management Director Rick Dalla Valle, Torringford Volunteer Firefighter Charlie Marciano, and Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Maccalous.
Mayor Bingham 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 September 7, 2011.
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.
Lt. Emanuel introduced his Police Organization and Administration Class from NWCC comprised of 25 students attending this meeting.
Mayor Bingham welcomed the students and asked if there was anyone from the public wishing to speak. There was no one who did.
OATH OF OFFICE – Deputy Fire Marshal Edward Bascetta
Deputy Chief Brunoli said Mr. Bascetta has been active in the Department since 1996 and will be a great addition to the office. Mayor Bingham administered the oath of office.
POLICE OFFICER – Sigrid Stang & Brian Mrazik
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Probationary Officers Sigrid Stang and Brian Mrazik as a regular members of the Torrington Police Department, effective 10/11/11, after successfully completing their probationary period.
Chief Maniago said both officers have performed well, completed the academy, and received satisfactory evaluations.
POLICE OFFICER – Sgt. John Joseph
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept Sgt. John Joseph's permanent status after successfully completing his probationary period effective 8/22/11. Chief Maniago said Sgt. Joseph has done an outstanding job and he enthusiastically supports this permanent status.
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 September 29, 2011.
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Brunoli's Report for September 29, 2011.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about the issues occurring with our trucks in the last couple of weeks. Deputy Chief Brunoli said everything is back in service. An air conditioning issue will be taken care of on Engine 4 next week, he said.
Commissioner Cook asked about a failed compressor and how old it was. Deputy Chief Brunoli said there is a bid opening tomorrow at 11:00 am for this and Torringford's compressor or surrounding towns' compressors can be used in the meantime.
Commissioner Benedetto asked for an update on the radio situation, as it is still tough to understand especially on the police side. Deputy Chief Brunoli said he's talked to the radio contractor, who is working on this at the Police Department. He said the main repeater at the Fire House has been down, but they are in the process of replacing it. Chief Maniago said they have spoken with the Union regarding their concerns, and Lt. Newkirk has been working with Don Nelson of NW Communications. He said they want to get everything fixed while the radio is still under warrantee. He said they are diligently working on it, for the officers' safety sake. The issues are not enough to preclude radio utilization, he said, but it is still of concern. Deputy Chief Brunoli explained the Fire Dept.
stayed on the analog system, and the Police Dept. went on the digital system so it’s a little different sound. The Fire Dept. was always on their high band, he said.
FIRE MARSHAL'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal's Report for August, 2011.
TRAINING OFFICER'S REPORT -tabled
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to table the Training Officer's Report for August, 2011, since it wasn't available.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Maniago's Report for August, 2011.
OFFICER SHOPEY’S REPORT -tabled
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board considered Officer Shopey’s Report for August 2011. Chief Maniago explained that Officer Shopey may be out for an extended period of time. Officer Pisarski will take over some of his duties on a part-time basis, and Support Services will take over other duties.
Commissioner Cook made a motion to table acceptance of this report until Officer Pisarski is available to answer questions. Commissioner Benedetto seconded, and the motion to table was unanimously approved.
BRIGHTWOOD AVE – NO PARKING -tabled
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board tabled acceptance of Officer Robert Shopey's recommendation that the west edge of Brightwood Avenue from East Pearl Street northerly for a distance of 398' be posted as "No Parking".
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Director’s Report for August, 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 August, 2011.
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 an awards ceremony has been scheduled for December 7th at 5:30 pm at the Torrington Elks Club, which will conflict with the Regular Board of Public Safety Meeting scheduled for that evening.
The Board agreed to adjourn the December 7th Public Safety meeting to December 8th at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium.
Chief Maniago announced there is a Chevrolet Caprice at the Police Department, a demonstrator car being evaluated for future purchases.
Chief Maniago added that they have taken possession of a license plate reader, purchased by Region 5, for patrol cars. It has the capability of reading several thousand marker plates per minute, he said, and will help
find any information in the Motor Vehicle computer, and the NCIC computer, and will help track overdue parking tickets. He said it will be installed in the Traffic Unit car, and will have a variety of uses.
Commissioner Zaharek noted that Carbon Motors Corporation produces an impressive E7 vehicle, with everything integraded.
Deputy Chief Brunoli spoke about the E.D.I.T.H. fire safety program for Exit Drills in the Home and recognized Firefighter Prince for his efforts on this program. He also thanked Firefighter Garrison, who worked on Taste of Germany, benefitting the CT burn camp.
Mr. Dalla Valle asked Chief Maniago if the second set-up for the license plate reader was received, and was told it was not. He said it should be coming. Mr. Dalla Valle announced that FEMA notified him that we were awarded an $83,068.91 reimbursement for the February snow storm.
BUS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPTS.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Volunteer Fire Departments.
Drakeville Chief Mike Maccalous reported that Drakeville won the best appearing truck in the state convention in Clinton last month and placed third among all the apparatus appearing in the parade.
Torringford's Charlie Marciano reported that their driveway is repaired, the new sheds are going up and there will be a food drive for FISH on November 5th at Price Chopper.
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.
Commissioners LaMonica congratulated Drakeville VFD.
Commissioner Zaharek asked for further explanation from Mr. Dalla Valle on FEMA's reimbursement.
Commissioner Benedetto asked Chief Maniago about Lorenzo and Lois Sts. Chief Maniago said midnight-shift officers were sent over there in the morning and no violations were found.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about Fire Engine 1 and its coverage area. Deputy Chief Brunoli replied its coverage area is in the CAD for the east end, the northern part of Torringford St. and Burrville. He said it is broken out by incident and is also getting used for simultaneous calls, he said. Regarding the 'fly car' Deputy Chief Brunoli said it's costing money to hire a 12th employee, and vacation time is not being used as much now. He said to fill those two vacancies through the end of the year would cost $167,443.20, but the four positions being filled after January will help keep staffing up so the shifts will be back to twelve.
Commissioner Benedetto gave recognition to the Fire Department for their hard work in the MDA drive. Deputy Chief Brunoli said City residents were very generous, donating $17,000 during a six hour time frame.
Commissioner Benedetto asked for an update on the entranceway to Walmart. Mayor Bingham said the signage is being designed, and offered to follow up.
Mayor Bingham clarified that they are referring to the traffic entering Walmart Plaza from East Main St. traveling westbound and accidents related to those turning issues. He said the Traffic Division had the wrong address for the plaza owners, but once contacted, the owners came to a meeting and are very willing to help out. Commissioner Benedetto said there have been 53 accidents there in the last year. Commissioner Zaharek wondered if jersey barriers were considered, and Mayor Bingham said they were discussed.
Chief Maniago went back to the issue of Lorenzo and Lois Sts. having found his report on it. He said officers went there on Sept. 9th and spoke with Susan Fuller. No violations were found, he said.
Commissioner Potter asked about the intersection of Kennedy Drive and Torringford West St. Chief Maniago said Officer Shopey is planning on painting the road to delineate the left turn lanes, and he will check on the signal status. Commissioner Benedetto said Officer Shopey had to get the State Traffic Commission's approval.
Commissioner Potter asked about the district car, which didn't become an issue until the third Engine company was created. He asked if there are any options, other than paying overtime, to be able to fill those positions enough to run that car. Deputy Chief Brunoli offered to revisit it. Commissioner Potter asked if Ladder 2 could be put on reserve status now that we have the new Engine 2. Deputy Chief Brunoli said Engine 2 has only 67' of reach, and it would take some work to reconfigure the CAD. He said for coverage purposes, it is far better to have a third Engine company on the road, operationally. Commissioner Potter said the district car was argued to be necessary, and $40,000 was spent to buy it. Deputy Chief said at that time their staffing level was at 13, and offered
to see what he could do.
Commissioner Cook asked about Firefighter Shopey's Vehicle Extrication training. Deputy Chief Brunoli said it gives the skills to instruct as well, so they will have another instructor.
Commissioner Cook asked about the Middle School SRO. Chief Maniago said the programs are going well.
Commissioner Battle asked what classes are being taught by the SROs. Chief Maniago said it's an American History class to develop a relationship and be part of the curriculum. Commissioner Battle asked if Police Procedure is included. Chief Maniago offered to put a curriculum in his next report.
Mayor Bingham requested a volunteer to work on dog kennel changes as repairs will be needed there, especially with potential regionalization and the pursuit of grants.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:20 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Assistant City Clerk
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