MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
June 6, 2012
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, June 6, 2012.
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, Christopher Cook and Darlene Battle, Police Chief Michael Maniago, Deputy Police Chief Christopher Smedick, Fire Chief John Field, Deputy Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Traffic Officer Steven Pisarski, Campion Ambulance Director of Operations Fred Rosa, Burrville Volunteer Fire Chief Ken Marques, Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Maccalous, Mayoral Aide Timothy Waldron, and Personnel Director Thomas Gritt.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
PROMOTION: D. CASPER AND K. ENGLE
Fire Lieutenants David Casper and David Engle were given their badges and congratulated by all.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held May 2, 2012.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Mary Bagnaschi said she had expected a letter in response to her complaint about a dangerous intersection on the corner of Litchfield and Hungerford St. She asked why she was arrested on November 24, 2010, and why her phone calls are not returned. She said she is facing three criminal charges and two false accusations that she is mentally ill.
Mayor Bingham asked Ms. Bagnaschi to take a seat, and asked Officer Pisarski to address the original complaint regarding the intersection of Summer St. and New Litchfield St. Officer Pisarski said we follow Federal guidelines that do not recommend the installation of mid-block crosswalks.
Commissioner Cook suggested that police patrols make sure the corner is free of cars that can obstruct the view of pedestrians crossing the street.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Fire Chief’s report for April, 2012.
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 April, 2012.
In answer to Commissioner Benedetto's question, Deputy Chief Brunoli said the radio issues have been taken care of and Engine 4 will be out for repairs for a month.
Chief Field said he will arrange a Policy Review Committee meeting regarding Litchfield County Dispatch's handling of lockout calls. Commissioner Potter said he would just like to review their protocols.
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 April, 2012.
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 for April, 2012.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Maniago's Report for April, 2012.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if the SRO Officer walks through the school with another officer every day. Chief Maniago replied that, personnel permitting, he sends a park-and-walk patrol to assist the SRO during the peak hours of the day.
Commissioner Cook questioned the five arrests in April, a shorter month at the school, and asked where the reports of those arrests were. Chief Maniago said he had been reminded that the reports could not be released because they involve pending court cases and because they are regarding juveniles. Commissioner Cook asked for an incident description only because he wants to know why there is an increase in arrests. Chief Maniago said that report won't give the reasons, but he said he thinks the increase is due to the pro-activity of the officer, the willingness of the school staff to get involved, and just some of the activity taking place at this time. He said he will give the Board as much as he can legally give them before the next meeting.
Commissioner Benedetto asked what the Police Athletic League's future plans are. Chief Maniago said they want it to be more than just an athletic program, and become more of a year-round learning program. They are looking for a building that will sustain all that activity. He added that Officer Pietrefesa annually attends a P.A.L. conference, and it was in Orlando, FL this year.
OFFICER PISARSKI’S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Pisarski’s Report for April, 2012.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about the Traffic Division Clerk position. Mayor Bingham said this is in the budget.
Commissioner Benedetto noted that the outstanding traffic penalties amount to $328,000. Mayor Bingham said he anticipates increased revenue when that position is filled.
Commissioner Potter said the quantity of parking tickets issued seems lower than normal. Officer Pisarski said 40 'boot' letters were sent out, generating only 2 responses. Chief Maniago said if the car is found, a boot will be attached, and that the DMV has been notified.
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 April, 2012.
Commissioner Potter questioned the Fire Department calls for sick people. Mr. Rosa replied that the response depends on the manner in which the call is retrieved. Chief Field said this can be reviewed during the Policy Committee meeting with Litchfield County Dispatch. He added that there are very specific questions asked and the dispatch response depends on the answers they receive.
BUSINESS: DEPT. HEADS
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Deputy Chief Smedick announced the Special Olympic Torch Run for June 7th and the D.A.R.E. Car Show on June 15th.
Chief Maniago said he will be meeting with the Downtown Merchants Association soon to set up a business watch throughout the downtown area, along with some classes on a variety of topics for them. He added that another reason for officers to perform a park-and-walk with the SRO is to become familiar with the floor plan.
Chief Field thanked Firefighter Schapp for his years of service and wished him well in his retirement. Reading a letter to the Mayor and Board of Public Safety, he said since April 11, 2001, as Chief, he has recreated a Fire Service that provides a better service for the citizens of Torrington that has continued to improve and grow. He recounted accomplishments that include the finalizing of a vehicle replacement plan, the purchase of 3 new pumpers and a quint, the acquisition of 2 tactical units, recognition as a major regional asset, the acquisition of over $100,000 of hazardous material response equipment, the complete reconstruction of the North End station, the construction of an addition to Fire Headquarters, the construction of a new Emergency Operations Center, the combining of public safety dispatch and
communication, the acquisition of numerous grants, the hiring of 17 new firefighters, the promotion of 10 lieutenants, 3 captains, 1 deputy fire marshal and 2 deputy chiefs, the acquisition of a supplemental responder license status, and the development of both a master plan and a strategic plan.
Chief Field said that he has been fortunate to work with and learn from great fire officers and firefighters over the past 26 ½ years. He thanked all those who believed in him, shared their knowledge and experience, and created what he is today. He also thanked those who supported, guided and assisted him for the past 12 years as Chief including past and current firefighters, line officers, staff officers, Former Mayors, the current Mayor, City Councils, Boards of Finance, Board of Public Safety Commissioners, brother Public Safety Officials and agencies, the Torrington Police Department, Campion Ambulance, Emergency Management, friends and coworkers at City Hall, Deputy Chief Brunoli, Fire Marshal Thareau, Training Officer Hepburn, Former Deputy Chief Giampaolo, and his secretaries Maureen LaManna and Pam
Edwards.
Chief Field said it is with an incredible sense of pride and accomplishment that after 26 ½ years with the Torrington Fire Department, he announces his retirement effective July 8, 2012. He added that he is truly blessed and grateful to the citizens and officials of the City of Torrington and the members of the Torrington Fire Department for the opportunity to work with and for the City.
Deputy Chief Brunoli updated the Board on the Fire Department's Shed purchase. He said they hope to acquire another trailer from the same vendor who provided the Live Burn Trailer, and make part of that into the shed.
Mr. Rosa welcomed Deputy Chief Smedick back, and congratulated Chief Field on his retirement.
City Clerk Quartiero congratulated Chief Field on his retirement and thanked him for his years of service to the City.
Atty. Weaver also congratulated Chief Field.
USINESS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPTS.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Volunteer Fire Departments.
Burrville Chief Ken Marques reported on their membership drive that yielded three new members.
He announced a Father's Day Brunch on June 17th, and congratulated Chief Field on his retirement.
Chief Marques further announced his own retirement after 13 years of service. He said this is due to his relocation out of state and will take effect July 1st. Chief Marques said Jason Andrews will replace him as Chief and that it has been a pleasure to work with everyone.
Drakeville Chief Mike Maccalous thanked Chief Field for his years of service, saying it has been a pleasure working with him and he will be missed.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to add to the agenda.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Fire Personnel
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Potter, the Board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session under Fire Personnel at 7:12 p.m. inviting Mr. Gritt and Atty. Weaver.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to enter Open Session at 7:45 p.m.
BUSINESS: 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.
All Commissioners congratulated and commended Chief Field and wished Chief Marques luck.
Commissioner Zaharek asked Chief Maniago about staffing for the Fireworks Display. Chief Maniago said 22 officers will work from 4:30 pm until all the attendees have left.
Commissioner Benedetto thanked Detective Richard Good and Officer Ronald Currier for their years of service.
He shared his experience assisting with a dog that was hit by a car on Memorial Day, saying the public may not know who to call for a dog, and that a policy should be in place for these dangerous situations. He commended the ACO for responding within 5 minutes, on her day off, and for doing a great job.
Commissioner Benedetto said he has received more phone calls regarding trucks blocking driveways on Hoerle Blvd. Officer Pisarski said he has increased patrols in that area and sent a letter to Daly Moving and Storage with no response. He said this can be enforced during violation occurrence and suggested Commissioner Benedetto encourage his callers to inform the Police Department when the violation is happening. Chief Maniago stressed the same, saying the residents can call the regular Police Department business phone line.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if Mr. Cavaleri's right-on-red issue has been resolved from last month. Officer Pisarski said this is listed for enforcement and he has contacted Mr. Cavaleri several times.
Commissioner Benedetto repeated his eight year complaint about painting an arrow at the top of Kennedy Drive. Officer Pisarski replied that to create a dedicated left turn lane signal, an engineer's survey must be performed at a cost of $25,000 to $35,000. When that's done an application is submitted to the State Traffic Commission for their authorization, and then another $10,000 to $15,000 will be needed for equipment. He said this is a money issue. Once the intersection configuration is changed for an east-west left turn lane, a north-south configuration will be required as well. He said the road may not be wide enough for north-south and that's why the survey needs to be done.
Commissioner Potter asked Chief Maniago for an update on the Police Department radios. Chief Maniago replied that Kenwood's solution for the digital problems will be reinstalled next week, after testing by NW Communications. He added that the analog system, the existing system for the City for the last few decades, had some equipment malfunctions that NW Communications is still working on.
Mayor Bingham said he cannot thank Chief Field enough for his guidance, leadership, help, friendship and service to this community because there is not an incident or question that goes by, day or evening, without the Chief responding to that call humbly and professionally. He said the Chief is one of a kind, that Torrington is losing a great Chief who has done an excellent job and that he will be sorely missed.
He noted that Torrington will now have two Regional Emergency Managers residing in Torrington.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:58 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC CITY CLERK
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Respectfully Submitted, Carol L. Anderson, CCTC Assistant City Clerk |
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