MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
November 9, 2011 - Adjourned from November 2, 2011
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, having been adjourned from November 2, 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, and Darlene Battle, Police Chief Michael Maniago, Fire Chief John Field, Deputy Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Officer Robert Shopey, Campion Ambulance Director of Operations Fred Rosa, Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Ken Marques, Torringford Volunteer Firefighter Charlie Marciano, and Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Maccalous. Commissioner Christopher Cook arrived at 6:36 p.m.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held October 19, 2011.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #49
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Mr.Joseph Petricone of Crestwood Road requested an evaluation of the Torringford West St. and Rt. 202 intersection. He said the signal is not appropriate, having no left turn lens.
Officer Shopey explained that this is a coordinated system, and this signal has the maximum time allotted for its share. He said every phase in that system has to fit within an allotted time period. Adding time for a left turn signal at this intersection would cause removal of time from other parts of the coordinated system. Officer Shopey said the largest issue is getting the approval of the State Traffic Commission, including a presentation of the City's updated traffic plan, including traffic counts, which could cost $25,000. He said the budget process will be started soon, and this could be considered.
Mayor Bingham offered to contact the State D.O.T. regarding their plans.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT #292
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Maniago's Report for September, 2011.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about underage drinking grants. Chief Maniago replied that they are planning this for the near future. Commissioner Cook questioned the overtime hours. Chief Maniago explained there are separate overtime line items for each category. Commissioner Cook said he thought the Community Police Officer should do a lot of his work during the day. Chief Maniago replied that he changes his hours to curtail overtime as much as possible.
OFFICER SHOPEY’S REPORT #436
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s Report for August 2011, tabled on October 19, 2011.
BRIGHTWOOD AVE – NO PARKING #454
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept 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," tabled on September 7, 2011 and October 19, 2011.
Commissioner Potter asked if the affected neighbors were contacted. Officer Shopey said everyone on both sides of the street was sent a letter, but only one reply was received. That resident was in agreement with the "No Parking" posting.
OFFICER SHOPEY’S REPORT #498
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Shopey’s Report for September 2011.
FREE PARKING #506
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Robert Shopey's recommendation that on-street metered locations be allowed two hours of free parking between Friday, November 25, 2011 and Sunday, January 01, 2012.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT #521
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Chief’s report dated October 25, 2011.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about how Mutual Aid calls work. Chief Field said the calls were a hazardous material response, requiring technician level staff. Minimum staffing levels are maintained by calling personnel to backfill positions. Chief Field noted that identified spillers were invoiced for these calls.
Commissioner Potter asked if the responding Volunteers can also receive reimbursement, and Chief Field said that is still questionable and is being investigated.
In response to Commissioner Potter's question, Chief Field said he will look into creating reports broken down by apparatus.
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT #684
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Chief Brunoli's Report dated October 24, 2011.
FIRE MARSHAL'S REPORT #692
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Marshal's Report for September, 2011.
TRAINING OFFICER'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Training Officer's Report dated October 24, 2011.
DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL - JARED HOWE #710
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Firefighter Jared Howe to the position of Deputy Fire Marshal effective immediately. Commissioner Potter asked for a clarification so there is no misunderstanding. Chief Field explained that when personnel complete the Fire Marshal certification process they are put on a per diem list so they are available if needed. He said the State needs to know who is appointed by the City as Deputy Fire Marshal.
HIGH PRESSURE AIR COMPRESSOR #787
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent's and Deputy Fire Chief's recommendation to award the purchase of a High Pressure Air Compressor to fill SCBA to MidState Air Compressor, Inc. of Berlin, CT in the amount of $26,925.00 pending City Council and Board of Finance approval.
Deputy Chief Brunoli explained three bids were received, one was discarded, and only the low bidder was within their budget. He said there were funds in their Capital Account but due to the dispatch building construction that account was depleted.
Mayor Bingham said plans will be made to reimburse these funds in time for the next budget season.
Chief Field said the air compressor's breakdown was totally unexpected, and they have transferred funds from different accounts to accommodate this cost.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR REPORT #886
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Director’s Report for September, 2011. Commissioner Potter said it sounds like Mr. Dalla Valle did a really good job during the past storm.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if there is a volunteer list and noted that food distribution at the high school was shorthanded. Chief Field said a list has been accumulated but during emergencies, everyone has to address their own issues, thereby limiting the volunteer list. He said they are still trying to get a handle on volunteer resource management, as nothing is ever guaranteed. He noted that the Emergency Management Director is limited in what he can do, and that he is only hired for 15 hours per week.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if our State Representatives can help at the Emergency Operations Center. Chief Field said that although they are welcome, it is not a place for politics. He said they are in constant contact with the State EOC and the Regional Coordinator so our connections with the State are already in place.
Commissioner Benedetto suggested that Emergency Management meet with local gas stations to make plans. Chief Field said this is a place where our legislators could make a difference.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if gas stations were paying for the Police Officers stationed there. Chief Maniago said they were needed on the first day due to the unexpected lines, but on the second day they were only available if hired as private duty officers.
Mr. Rosa noted that, regarding the assistance of our legislators, cell phone towers should have generators because communications were lost everywhere.
Commissioner Benedetto and Mayor Bingham thanked everyone for their hard work during the storm.
EMS PROVIDER REPORT #1367
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report from Campion for September, 2011.
BUS: DEPT HEADS #1375
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Chief Maniago presented a SRO curriculum report from the Middle and High Schools. (addendum 1) He noted that the award ceremony date has been changed to December 7th at 5:30 pm at the Elks Club. He said there is a meeting scheduled for November 10th regarding the two-way radio, and the traditional yearly Police Department Tree Lighting is scheduled for December 1st at 5:30 pm with a tree donated and installed by NW Landscaping, LLC.
Chief Field presented a letter regarding his evaluation of the shift commander's car, and said he would like to discuss it next month. He requested feedback from the Board and the Volunteer Fire Departments regarding a draft East-side Coverage Agreement that he had emailed to them.
Chief Maniago added that we've been put on a list to receive two demonstrator carbon police vehicles, available in 14 to 16 months.
Chief Field acknowledged all the support and assistance from the Departments involved in the storm.
Deputy Chief Brunoli also thanked LCD, the City-wide Departments, City Volunteers and mutual aid companies that responded Monday morning to a house fire on Red Mountain Ave.
Mr. Rosa gave his thanks to the City and hospital, and special thanks to the Senior Center staff.
BUS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPTS. #1668
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Volunteer Fire Departments.
Drakeville Chief Mike Maccalous commended the road clearing during the storm.
Burrville Chief Ken Marques reported that their generator broke during the power outage.
Torringford's Charlie Marciano thanked the Volunteer Fire Departments for their participation in the food drive, and announced their Christmas Tree Sale starting November 28th.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1743
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner LaMonica commended everyone who helped out in the storm.
Commissioner Zaharek recounted his experience waiting in line for gas after the storm, as tensions increased. He commended Officer Toby Geiger who generated such levity he had people calm and smiling at that scene. He said Officer Geiger did an outstanding job, going above and beyond.
Commissioner Benedetto proposed the Board move forward in preparing a Motor Vehicle Enforcement plan, and asked if anyone was interested in working on this. Commissioner Zaharek said he liked the plan that was in place years ago when we could afford it. Chief Maniago said he doesn't know if he'll be able to create a dedicated unit, as they are currently hiring for two positions and he has officers out on military deployment, light duty and workmen's compensation. He said he can come up with an increased traffic enforcement plan and pointed out that accidents are decreasing due to patrol division enforcement
Mayor Bingham asked for a report on what is being done now, before a new plan is created.
Commissioner Potter congratulated those who won the recent municipal election, and said everyone in Emergency Services did a fantastic job last week.
Commissioner Cook also congratulated his fellow Commissioners and said an outstanding job was done in all Departments during the storm. He asked about potential retirements in the near future at the Fire Department. Deputy Chief Brunoli said there are two upcoming in January and possibly eight or nine in June, but nothing is definite.
Commissioner Battle also thanked everyone for their hard work during the storm, saying a fantastic job was done all around.
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 #2208
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:32 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Assistant City Clerk
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