MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
November 13, 2013, Adjourned from November 6, 2013
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Wednesday,
November 13, 2013.
Those in attendance included Mayor Gerald Zordan, Commissioners Angelo LaMonica, Douglas Benedetto, Darlene Battle, Richard Zaharek, Robert Conforti and Christopher Cook, along with Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Deputy Fire Chief Christopher Pepler, Police Chief Michael Maniago, and Officer Steven Pisarski. Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief James Newkirk and Campion Ambulance Director of Operations Fred Rosa were also present.
Mayor Zordan called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular meeting held October 2, 2013.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no one present who wished to speak.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to accept Fire Chief Gary Brunoli's Reports for September 2013.
Commissioner Benedetto asked for an update on the Board of Education's Fire Evacuation Plan. Chief Brunoli described how it came about, and said there are still more schools to work with.
Commissioner Benedetto questioned the overtime budget. Chief Brunoli listed the amounts.
Commissioner Conforti questioned the hours and sick time during the week of October 12. Chief Brunoli explained a lot of guys took time off and they had to comply with the minimum manpower clause. He said that balancing the budget this year left him short-staffed.
ADD TO AGENDA - EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to add to the agenda and enter executive session under Police Personnel, inviting Chief Maniago at 6:11 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Battle, seconded by Commissioner Cook, the Board voted unanimously to enter open session at 6:37 p.m.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to add to the agenda.
PROMOTE TO SERGEANT
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to promote Officer Brett Johnson to the rank of Sergeant to start at the request of the Chief.
RECESS MEETING
Mayor Zordan recessed the meeting at 6:39 p.m. to convene the Board of Trustees of the Police & Firemen's Pension Fund meeting.
RECONVENE MEETING
Mayor Zordan reopened the meeting at 6:42 p.m.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Reports for September 2013.
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Fire Chief Pepler's Reports for September 2013.
Commissioner Benedetto asked for an update on the Fire Department assessment. Deputy Chief Pepler replied that reviewing firefighter job performance requirements is a tedious process but it's going well.
In answer to Commissioner Benedetto's next question, Deputy Chief Pepler explained they are working on a grant application for new breathing apparatus.
FIRE MARSHAL'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept Fire Marshal Tim Tharau's Reports for September 2013.
DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Fire Marshal Howe's Reports for September 2013.
TRAINING OFFICER'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept Training Officer Tripp's Report for September 2013. Commissioner Benedetto asked about the task books. Training Officer Tripp explained they are for special development of job performance.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Michael Maniago’s Reports for September 2013.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about expansion of Regional Animal Control. Chief Maniago said they are looking at Harwinton, Winsted and other towns. He said grant funding may be available, and added that the question of civilianizing this is up to the mayors and selectmen of the towns involved.
Commissioner Benedetto noted that Chief Maniago attended a meeting regarding school safety with Manchester PD and South Windsor PD, and remarked that 31 million dollars in grant money may be available. He asked for an update on the progress for our school system's plan. Chief Maniago said he plans to do joint training with the Board of Education. Chief Brunoli added that while the Police Dept. is working on the tactical side, the Fire Dept. is working on the ancillary end of it, such as blocking roads and providing access to emergency services.
Commissioner Benedetto then asked about the case management software. Chief Maniago said it is in the finishing stages of being developed.
Commissioner Zaharek asked if the weapons conversion will definitely move forward. Chief Maniago said three more weapons need to be tested and evaluated, and hopefully a determination will be made after that.
OFFICER PISARSKI’S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Steven Pisarski's Traffic Division Reports for September 2013.
Commissioner Benedetto remarked on the boot letters sent out, the responses received, and said that it's working.
Officer Pisarski reminded the Board that the Nov. 1 to April 1 parking restriction has begun.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if free parking will be available as usual during December. Mayor Zordan said it's up to the new Mayor.
EMS PROVIDER REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report for September 2013.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if everything is going good with the Fire Department and asked about dispatch. Mr. Rosa said it's going well and explained that dispatch has been improved. He said response time has gone from 1.5 minutes to eight seconds.
BUSINESS: DEPT. HEADS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Chief Maniago said one academy recruit will graduate in five weeks, five conditional job offers were made, and three seats are reserved for the January academy.
Chief Brunoli brought to the Board's attention a thank you letter received from the Waterbury Fire Dept., and invited all to the Fire Dept.'s 125 Anniversary Ball on November 23rd. He said he will have his year-end Torrington Fire Services Report ready for the December meeting.
Deputy Chief Pepler said that in an effort to reduce their ISO rating and adjust their insurance rates, Firefighter Rob Ebner organized a tanker drill with 10 towns in Litchfield County. He said it was very successful. Mayor Zordan asked Deputy Chief Pepler to determine what dollar amount the ISO rating adjustment would equate to, in order to clarify what it would mean to the people of Torrington.
BUSINESS: MAYOR & MEMBERS
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-elect McLeod acknowledged the 12 years that Commissioner Cook has put in on this Board and thanked him for his service.
All Commissioners and Mayor Zordan congratulated Sgt. Brett Johnson, congratulated the newly elected and thanked Commissioner Cook for his service.
Commissioner Conforti also acknowledged the letters of recommendation received on behalf of Officer Lemieux, Officer Toledo and Officer Sandquist.
Commissioner Cook said it has been a pleasure and an honor to serve for the past 12 years.
Mayor Zordan also commended Commissioner Benedetto for carrying the U.S. flag in the NYC Marathon and making Torrington look good by doing so.
BUSINESS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by the Volunteer Fire Departments.
Chief James Newkirk of Torringford announced their upcoming Christmas tree sale.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to
adjourn at 7:10 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Assistant City Clerk
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