MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
December 5, 2012
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, December 5, 2012.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, Corporation Counsel Raymond Rigat, Members of the Board of Public Safety Angelo LaMonica, Douglas Benedetto, Darlene Battle, James Potter and Christopher Cook, Acting Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Police Chief Michael Maniago, Deputy Police Chief Christopher Smedick, Officer Michael Morris, Emergency Management Director Rick Dalla Valle, Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Maccalous, Torringford Volunteer Firefighter Charles Marciano and Campion Ambulance Director of Operations Fred Rosa. Commissioner Richard Zaharek was absent.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:31 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 November 13, 2012.
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Special meeting held November 21, 2012.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto the Board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Glenn Royals spoke on behalf of the Northwest Antique Auto Club congratulating the new Fire Chief. He said his antique car club has existed since 1956 and raises funds by putting on car shows. He said the members feel they are really lucky to have the Police Explorers who are exemplary young men and women. He said the club will cover the cost of Explorers' uniforms, everything they need from start to finish, approximately $3,000. Chief Maniago thanked the members for their community spirit and said what they do is greatly appreciated.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session under Police Department Personnel, inviting Chief Maniago, Deputy Chief Smedick and Officer Morris, at 6:35 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner LaMonica, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to enter Open Session at 6:51 p.m.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Commissioner Battle, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to add to the agenda by 2/3 vote the hiring of four officers, one in two weeks and three effective January 3, 2013.
HIRE PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICERS
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to hire Michael Gallagher at the discretion of the City, effective two weeks from this date.
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to
hire Richard John Loucks to the position of Police Officer, effective January 3, 2013.
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to
hire Joshua Blass to the position of Police Officer, effective January 3, 2013.
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ricardo Toledo to the position of Police Officer, effective January 3, 2013.
INITIATION OF BID PROCESS: Two Police Interceptors
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to approve the initiation of the bid process for two Police Interceptors including one sedan and one utility unit for an estimated cost of $34,000 each, having been approved by the Vehicle Replacement Advisory Board on November 26, 2012, and City Council on December 3, 2012.
Chief Maniago explained that he tried out different styles of new police cars and the consensus among Command Staff, the Fleet Manager and the Vehicle Replacement Advisory Board was that the Taurus and utility vehicle will fit their needs.
FIRE HQ BOILER REPLACEMENT & REPAIR
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent's and the Fire Chief's recommendation to award the Fire Headquarters Boiler & Hot Water Heater Replacement project to Pelletier Mechanical Services, LLC of Thomaston, CT, in the amount of $65,646.00, having been approved by City Council on December 3, 2012.
Chief Brunoli said there will be a fuel savings of about $21,000 per year by converting to natural gas. He explained that the boiler was due for replacement in 2014/2015 but the replacement needs to go out to bid now. After consulting with Board of Finance member Thomas Scoville, Chief Brunoli said this is the best option, and what he would like to do.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Brunoli's report for October, 2012.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management report for October, 2012.
In response to Commissioner Benedetto's inquiry, Mr. Dalla Valle reported that we were very lucky in the last storm as we weren't hit hard enough to cause any damage. Being fully staffed at the EOC with every department represented, along with outside departments such as the hospital, ambulance, health department, school system and animal control officer, everything ran very smoothly, he said.
Mr. Dalla Valle reported that he is working with the Red Cross on a plan to open a regional shelter at the Middle School which will include an animal shelter. He added that the State is also looking at the Middle School as a distribution point. He said animals can be accommodated at the Senior Center right now as he has all the necessary crates in every size for every animal.
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 October, 2012.
TRAINING OFFICER REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Training Officer's report for October, 2012.
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 October, 2012.
In answer to Commissioner Benedetto's question about the new Glock pistols, Chief Maniago said all the old guns have been collected for trade-in, all the new guns have been issued, and everyone has qualified, so the guns are all in service.
Chief Maniago updated the Board on the police radios, saying Kenwood is in the process of completing their evaluation. He will have a meeting with Northwest Communications, and will be sure to forward an update to the Board as soon as he can. He added that the Police Department is on analog radio right now.
Commissioner Cook asked about the Cellebrite training. Chief Maniago explained this was a new piece of investigation equipment for information derived from cell phones. Two detectives were certified in this week-long training.
OFFICER PISARSKI’S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Pisarski’s Report for October, 2012. In answer to Commissioner Benedetto's question, Chief Maniago said the new Traffic Clerk is being trained.
CIVILIAN FINGERPRINTING
Chief Maniago explained that BioMetrics will no longer provide fingerprinting services for Torrington as of December 1st. He said it would be appropriate for the Police Department to also charge a fee, similar to BioMetrics charge of $25.00 per person. He added that the average number of fingerprints taken per week is six and they will be done on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., using on-duty staff.
Commissioners Potter and Cook suggested the rate remain at $25.00. Commissioners Benedetto and LaMonica said they felt local citizens should pay a lower rate of $20.00.
Commissioner Potter made a motion to leave the fingerprinting fee at $25.00, and Commissioner Cook seconded. The vote was 3 to 2 in favor of the $25.00 rate, with Commissioners Benedetto and LaMonica opposed.
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 October, 2012.
Commissioner Potter asked for a response times report comparing the Fire Department to Campion Ambulance because the Fire Department is being dispatched to some medical calls in order to reduce the response time. Commissioner Potter said he would like to see how quickly a fire truck can arrive, compared to the ambulances. Mr. Rosa said the answer is contained in the existing report.
Commissioner Benedetto asked how it's going with the Fire Department response to cardiac arrest and other calls. Mr. Rosa said yes, the Fire Department is getting on scene before the ambulance because they get dispatched before Campion does. He added that if the Fire Department response didn't make a difference in saving lives, the Board would be informed. Commissioner Benedetto said they need to evaluate the response to the categories to see if it's working. Commissioner Potter said if Campion would notify LCD when they are responding and when they arrive on scene, then LCD could generate a better comparison.
BUSINESS: DEPT. HEADS
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Deputy Chief Smedick announced the upcoming North End Tree Lighting ceremony.
Chief Maniago commended the Detective Division for their work on the theft of the Baby Jesus statue from Christmas Village. He thanked the Board for the past year, welcomed Atty. Rigat and acknowledged Atty. Weaver. He said he looks forward to another fruitful year of positive interaction.
Chief Brunoli reported that Firefighter Howe just returned from Boston, partnering with the Visiting Nurses' Assn. for the Fires and Falls Prevention Program, and will be working with the Senior Center to put a program together in Torrington. He thanked everyone for their support of his promotion, and said he has a good feeling about the Board and moving this Fire Service forward.
Mr. Dalla Valle reported that he received a $332,845 reimbursement from FEMA for Storm Alfred.
BUSINESS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by the Volunteer Fire Departments.
Drakeville reported that with a grant from the CT State Fire Chiefs called the Volunteer Work Force Solution, they received brochures, banners, TV ads, newspaper ads, and posters to try to get new members.
Torringford announced their Christmas Tree Drive, encouraged everyone to support this fundraiser and thanked Chief Brunoli for his support for the Fire Police during the last few months. They now have nine radios among the three departments.
BUSINESS: 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 thanked everyone for doing a great job, and said he looks forward to next year. He said Torrington should be proud of what we have.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if the downtown walking patrol will be increased during the Holidays. Chief Maniago said extra park and walk patrols are put out every year in the downtown area.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if more research has been completed regarding the arrow at the top of Kennedy Drive. Chief Maniago replied that signal boxes have to be changed to accommodate a left-turn arrow, so there's an expense involved. He said it is in process.
Commissioner Benedetto pointed out that the right turns being made onto Dibble Street from East Main Street are creating a third lane. He asked for increased traffic enforcement there. Chief Maniago said he will take care of it.
Commissioner Potter wished a Happy Holiday to all and said he looks forward to a successful coming year.
Commissioner Cook asked if certain streets need to be closed during winter and Mayor Bingham replied that it is only during times of high snowfall. Commissioner Cook asked if there is a Holiday plan for parking meters. Mayor Bingham said he will ask to add that to this agenda.
Commissioner Battle congratulated the new recruits, commended everyone for their good work and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to add to the agenda by 2/3 vote the establishment of free parking for the two weeks prior to Christmas starting December 11, 2012.
FREE HOLIDAY PARKING DOWNTOWN
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to allow free parking for the two weeks prior to Christmas starting December 11, 2012.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to add to the agenda by 2/3 vote an Executive Session to discuss the Deputy Fire Chief vacancy.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session under Fire Personnel, at 7:24 p.m., inviting Chief Brunoli.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to enter Open Session at 7:34 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:34 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Assistant City Clerk
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