MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
February 5, 2014
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Wednesday,
February 5, 2014.
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone, Commissioners Douglas Benedetto, Darlene Battle, Richard Zaharek, Angelo LaMonica, Glenn McLeod and Robert Conforti, along with Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Deputy Fire Chief Christopher Pepler, Police Chief Michael Maniago, Deputy Police Chief Christopher Smedick Training Officer Tripp and Officer Steven Pisarski. Campion Ambulance Director of Operations Fred Rosa, Torringford Fire Chief James Newkirk, Burrville Fire Chief Jason Noad, Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco, IT Director Gerald Crowley and Mayoral Aide Timothy Waldron were also present.
Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. starting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
PROMOTION
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept Off. Richard Loucks and Off. Ricardo Toledo as regular members of the Police Department after successfully completing their probationary period, effective January 3, 2014. Chief Maniago said these officers have been outstanding, and are highly recommended for permanent status.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular meeting held December 4, 2013. Commissioner McLeod abstained.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular meeting held December 19, 2013.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no one present who wished to speak.
FIRE DEPT. VEHICLE
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Fleet Manager and the Vehicle Replacement Advisory Board to go out to bid for the purchase of an all-wheel drive Ford Explorer for Fire Dept., at an estimated cost of $25,000, having been approved by the Vehicle Replacement Advisory Board on January 10, 2014 and City Council on February 3, 2014, pending approval from the Board of Finance.
POLICE SERVER UPGRADE
On an amended motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded as amended by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to approve a Computer Server Capacity Upgrade at the Police Dept. from Advizex Technologies for $39,321, purchased off a State contract.
Chief Maniago said Advizex is the company that built the Police, Fire and Dispatch infrastructure and was the lowest of 3 bids. He said they are going to replace six stand-alone servers with a virtual type of software that will allow it to grow into as many as 20 servers as needed. Chief Maniago said this will allow them to perform eTicketing and other upgrades such as the state-mandated online completion of accident reports from patrol cars. He said the IT Department will supply $10,000 from their budget, and the Police Department has enough in their Capital line item to cover the remaining $29,000.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept Fire Chief Brunoli's Report for November and December 2013.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about sick days and Chief Brunoli explained that some firefighters are out with injuries or family issues.
Commissioner Benedetto asked how extra duty is assigned. Chief Brunoli said the overtime comes from a rotating master list where everyone is equal. Commissioner Benedetto said the overtime is high, and Chief Brunoli replied that his staffing has been cut for the past three years.
Commissioner Benedetto asked for a copy of the report on Firefighter Prince. Mayor Carbone said she has asked Corporation Counsel to issue a reminder on what personnel matters are confidential and when it is appropriate to discuss them. She requested the Commissioners to abstain from commenting on this matter until Corporation Counsel's opinion has been obtained. Commissioner Conforti agreed and said he found the recent newspaper article upsetting.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Report for November and December 2013.
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Fire Chief Pepler's Report for November and December 2013.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about the new Incident Command Policy and how it has changed. Deputy
Fire Chief Pepler explained that the overall goal is to make sure it is compliant with the National Incident Management System. He said he added the responsibilities of each individual, and that it is now more clear and defined.
Commissioner Benedetto questioned the lockout calls on the Incident Report. Deputy Chief Pepler said he didn't have that information with him.
Regarding Mutual Aid, Commissioner Benedetto asked to set up a subcommittee meeting to discuss it.
Commissioner Battle asked how this policy helps the completion of incident reports after a fire. Deputy Chief Pepler said he can take incident reports from around the country and share the information with his members. It further helps him break things down in our own incidents, identifying things that went well or need improvement, and sends a stronger message to the people serving on the fire grounds, he said.
FIRE MARSHAL'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept Fire Marshal Tharau's Report for November and December 2013.
DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Fire Marshal Howe's Report for November and December 2013.
TRAINING OFFICER'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner LaMonica, the Board voted unanimously to accept Training Officer Tripp's Report for November and December 2013. Training Officer Tripp said that new members get a monthly evaluation, get extra training at night to meet monthly-scheduled job performance requirements, complete extra projects each month, and are all doing very well.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously
to accept Chief Michael Maniago’s Report for November and December 2013.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about the active shooter training. Chief Maniago replied that Captain Balzano conducted the training with the Superintendent of School's office on January 16th and they will start training the principals, vice-principals and other staff. He said since they have just completed their firearms qualifications, and the Captain is starting to coordinate Rapid Deployment Training for the Department.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if teachers will be trained. Chief Maniago they started with the administrators first, at the request of the Superintendent.
Commissioner Zaharek asked if the Chief will recommend that the teachers and staff be involved. Chief Maniago said he recommends that everyone attend this training. Commissioner Zaharek said he'd like to see the overall plan.
Mayor Carbone noted that Public Act 13-3 stipulates a timeline for which a school-safety protocol must be developed and presented. She said this deadline may be July 2014, and a committee will need to be placed at each school that will include school administration, parents, custodial staff and our Police and Fire Department.
Chief Brunoli added that the Fire Evacuation plans have all been standardized through the public school system, and he is working with St. Peter/St. Francis school and the Torrington Christian Academy to get their plans solidified. Along with the University of Connecticut campus, Oliver Wolcott Technical High School and the Nutmeg Ballet, Chief Brunoli said that City Hall, the Police Department, Fire Department and other targeted areas need to be planned for. He said it takes time to put this together and it is coming along fairly well.
At Mayor Carbone's request Chief Brunoli explained the notification system. He said the Litchfield County Dispatch and Police Department use a system called Everbridge that is similar to the reverse 911 system. It can notify blocks of neighborhoods or certain areas should an emergency arise, he said. Chief Brunoli noted that the Fire Department pays for and uses a different system, with a quota for callbacks, that the State Police also needs. He said the Fire Department could save money if they could use the Everbridge system, which is free through LCD. Chief Brunoli said that a notification blast can be sent throughout the whole city at one time, and is similar to the school notification system used for school closings. He said it is a valuable tool.
Commissioner Conforti asked about Police staffing. Chief Maniago said that he has officers retiring February 28, April 11, and May 3rd, and another whose date is still up in the air. He said there are two in the Academy right now and the Personnel Subcommittee will interview 7 more candidates. Chief Maniago said they are
keeping pace with the numbers that are retiring. He noted that one sergeant is returning, two officers are on permanent light duty and one is on a long-duration light duty with no end in sight.
Commissioner Benedetto asked how Regionalized Animal Control is working out. Chief Maniago said it's working well, Litchfield and Goshen have been very cooperative with us and he has not received any complaints from other towns. He noted that their workload does increase depending on the time of year.
OFFICER PISARSKI’S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Steven Pisarski's Traffic Division Report for Nov. and Dec. 2013.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about Volkman Lane. Officer Pisarski replied that that street does go all the way through to Franklin St. Commissioner Benedetto said he's received complaints that a vehicle parks there every day, blocking traffic. Officer Pisarski said the Police Department should be called when that occurs so they can send a patrol car there.
Commissioner Benedetto said he is concerned about traffic accidents in this City. In November there were 98 with 28 injuries, in December they went up to 130 with 30 injuries. Officer Pisarski offered to research this to see if the accidents are a related to weather conditions
Commissioner Benedetto asked if there will be more traffic enforcement when the accident numbers start to increase. Chief Maniago said yes, and he will also see where the accidents took place to determine if there are any commonalities of an intersection or stretch of road that might be causing the problems.
Commissioner Conforti said he has heard complaints about the intersection of Torringford West Street and Kennedy Drive. Officer Pisarski said they're trying to install a dedicated left-turn lane there, as the traffic has increased quite a bit. It would require about $30,000 to get an engineer survey to find out what they need to do and they still might not be able to do it because traffic lanes need to be a certain width. Commissioner Benedetto said we've been talking about this for about 13 years. Officer Pisarski said it could cost $150,000 just for equipment.
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 November and December 2013.
Commissioner Benedetto asked where the line is drawn on using firefighters for lockout to assist with calls. Mr. Rosa replied that there are certain times when manpower is needed and it depends on the situation. He said we have nationwide problems of obesity and drug abuse, and up to eight people may be needed. Mr. Rosa said if there was another way to do it without using the Fire Department, they would.
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 they have received a grant to purchase a second license plate reader and that two recruits started at the Academy on January 3rd with a tentative graduation in the middle of June. He recognized Officer Sandquist for making an outstanding arrest, seizing 10 lbs. of marijuana. Her observations and initiatives deserve a lot of credit, he said, and she is to be commended, along with all the patrol officers that assisted her that night.
Chief Brunoli pointed out the letter he received from Troop B in Canaan for the Fire Department's assistance at an accident on Rt. 8 on January 13th. He noted that there have been quite a few fatal accidents that a lot of Fire personnel responded to during the last couple of months. He thanked his personnel for handling them very well. He asked the Board if they have read his Year-end Report and offered to answer their questions.
Deputy Chief Pepler distributed an incident report from a December 11 fire on McDermott Ave. He reviewed the incident with the Board, explaining how it required assistance from Winsted, Litchfield and Harwinton. Deputy Chief Pepler said this incident shows how the surrounding volunteer community provides us with a lot of resources.
Commissioner Benedetto said he's heard a lot of people express concern about our first-line pieces of apparatus being in other towns, and suggested that volunteers be sent to mutual aid instead of paid firefighters and first-line pieces that cost taxpayers money.
Chief Brunoli said that if his Year End Report was read, it would have been noticed that the response from the Volunteer corps in the City of Torrington has been minimized over the last year and the costs are minimal when we send somebody out of town. A lengthy debate between Commissioner Benedetto and Chief Brunoli ensued concerning the use of volunteers and reciprocal agreements.
Commissioner Benedetto said if they want to use our resources, they have to pay for our resources. To which
Chief Brunoli replied that he would send them a bill if so instructed.
Mayor Carbone interjected that perhaps this would warrant an agenda item of its own where you can bring forward those best practices and how that mutual aid works. She said it would be helpful for us to hear from some of our neighboring towns that reciprocate that very service. Mayor Carbone said she understands Commissioner Benedetto's concerns but when she hears that it happens only three times and we have right here in front of us evidence that it has been reciprocated, she'd like to move beyond this. Mayor Carbone
asked if this is something the other Commissioners would like to see or hear on an agenda instead of debating it in a reporting session.
Chief Brunoli said he will be glad to present something and will bring the other Volunteer Chiefs to explain mutual aid and the agreements we have.
BUSINESS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Volunteer Fire Departments.
Torringford's Chief Newkirk reported that they currently have ten interior firefighters, two who just finished Firefighter I at Burrville Fire Training School and three more volunteers who will start Firefighter I at the end of this month. In the next six months they could have a total of 15 interior firefighters, he said.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if Torringford is available to do mutual aid calls. Chief Newkirk said they go whenever they are called, but weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm, are tough. He said that anyone responding during those hours have to leave their jobs.
Burrville Chief Noad reported that he served as Chief from 1997 to 2005 and returned two months ago when a group of life members banded together and voted to overturn the decision to close. He said they are currently trying to rebuild, have six active firefighters and 3 fire police. He offered to answer any questions.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if they have recruited any new members. Chief Noad replied that they have one, with three applications under review. He said that due to new changes in their policy, it will be quite a while before they are online because they now need three firefighters to get a truck out.
Mr. Rosa offered to run a report on injuries incurred in motor vehicle accidents. He noted that retiring Services for the Elderly Director Nancy Hodkoski has been invaluable for public safety, public health and as a shelter operator. He said she has always stepped up to the plate and asked the Board to send a letter of appreciation for her years of service.
BUSINESS: MAYOR & MEMBERS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Mayor and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Zaharek commended Chief Brunoli for his comprehensive Year End Report, saying it was one of the best reports he's ever read. It helped him get a real pulse on who the Chief is and the direction our Fire Department is going in, he said, and he thinks the Chief did an excellent job, giving credit to his staff and reporting shortcomings. He said it was a fine job and told Chief Brunoli to keep up good work.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about the police radios. Chief Maniago said Chief Lt. Newkirk has been working diligently. We have one tower remaining where the administrative work has been delayed on the vendor's end, he said, and infrastructure upgrade equipment has been ordered. Chief Maniago explained that Marcus Communications has a little bit of engineering work left to do and the last remaining 20 to 25 radios have been sent out to California for upgrades and flashing to bring them up to public safety status.
Commissioner Benedetto thanked Phil Kozlak for his service to Torringford.
Commissioner Conforti congratulated the two officers for making it to the Torrington Police Department.
Referring to the accident mentioned in Canaan Troop B's letter, he congratulated the Fire Department on their work at that scene. He made note of the letter from the State Attorney's Office congratulating Jim Crean, and the letter from a private citizen thanking Edward Mumm. Commissioner Conforti said he really liked the letter from the Newtown Police Department and will always pay tribute to recipients of letters.
Commissioner McLeod asked about the shots fired in Torrington, why four schools were shut down and what the procedure is for that. Chief Maniago explained that public safety comes first and with schools being an easy target in many respects, they notified the school administration to recommend a lock down. It's the school administration's decision, he said, and weighing the risk to the community, they would rather err on the side of caution.
Commissioner Battle asked about the Police Department meeting with mental health organizations to talk about the prescription drug box. Chief Maniago said a group of people involved with solving mental health, drug addiction, and alcohol addiction problems met to talk about gateway drugs and the heroin epidemic nationwide. He said we do have a prescription drug drop box coming to the station that will be permanently affixed there, and will continue meeting to work together to fight this problem.
Mayor Carbone pointed out the FY14/15 Budget Meeting Calendar to the Commissioners.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, 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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