MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
March 5, 2014
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Wednesday,
March 5, 2014.
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Raymond Rigat, Commissioners Douglas Benedetto, Darlene Battle, Richard Zaharek, 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 and Officer Steven Pisarski. Campion Ambulance Director of Operations Fred Rosa, Torringford Fire Chief James Newkirk, Burrville Fire Chief Jason Noad, Drakeville Fire Chief Michael Maccalous and Fleet Manager Emil Castro were also present. Commissioner Angelo LaMonica was absent.
Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
DEPT. OF DEFENSE AWARD
Firefighter Robert Shopey recognized Chief Brunoli and the Torrington Fire Department for their support of his service as a firefighter in the Air National Guard.
Fire Chief Robert Cross of the CT Air National Guard said Torrington has gone above and beyond in their support of their firefighters in the Air National Guard and noted that the training they receive there is brought back to the community.
Mr. Dick Graziani, CT Chair of the DOD Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, commended Torrington for its Veterans Memorial Wall in City Hall, saying it is truly remarkable and far exceeds other cities and towns. He noted that first responders serve their community because they want to do it and praised Chief Brunoli for setting an example, making it easier for men and women in uniform to serve their country. He presented an award to Chief Brunoli as a Patriotic Employer for continuing National Security, protecting liberty and freedom and supporting employees' participation in America's National Guard and Reserve Force.
Chief Brunoli said the training his firefighters receive saves the City money in the long run, and noted that their skills are invaluable to the Fire Department. He said it is a pleasure to promote firefighters' service to our country.
Mr. Graziani then presented an Above and Beyond award to the Torrington Fire Department on behalf of the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve Forces for outstanding service and continuing support to the National Defense. He said the Chief has done an outstanding job and is a role model for others. He thanked the Chief for his service and dedication to not only our town and citizens but also to our state and country.
Mayor Carbone thanked Mr. Graziani and Mr. Cross for recognizing our Fire Department, saying we're proud of what they do, and even more proud of what our young men do in service for our country.
FIRE PREVENTION POSTER CONTEST WINNERS
Fire Marshal Tharau recognized and congratulated Vogel Wetmore Students Jasper Cheng, Liangie Garcia, Zackary Matava, and Rebecca N. Correll for their contest-winning poster designs. He said the fire prevention message these posters promote is very important to the Torrington Fire Department. Mayor Carbone congratulated the students, their families and Mrs. Dzurilla, Principal of Vogel Wetmore School.
RECESS MEETING
Mayor Carbone recessed the Regular Board of Public Safety Meeting at 6:48 p.m. in order to open the Board of Trustees Meeting.
RECONVENE MEETING
Mayor Carbone reconvened the Regular Board of Public Safety Meeting at 7:13 p.m.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular meeting held February 5, 2014 with the following correction: Under the EMS Provider Report the 'lockout calls' should have been 'assists'.
AMEND VOTE FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
Commissioner Benedetto moved to rescind the vote made at the regular meeting held February 5, 2014 that unanimously accepted Officer Richard Loucks and Officer Ricardo Toledo as regular members of the Police Department and to consider the matter when their correct effective date occurs, (one year after Academy Graduation). Commissioner McLeod seconded. Chief Maniago said an error was made last month, putting Officers Loucks and Toledo off probation, when the correct date should have been June 10, 2014. He said he's contacted Corporation Counsel and the Personnel Director, and it has been recommended that the motion from last month be amended with the correct date, instead of rescinding the vote. Commissioner Benedetto amended his motion to rescind the vote, to add the correct date of June 10, 2014, and
Commissioner McLeod amended his second. When it was pointed out that last month's vote was seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, Commissioner McLeod rescinded his second and Commissioner Zaharek seconded Commissioner Benedetto's amended motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of this.
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.
PURCHASE POLICE VEHICLES
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted 4 to 1, with Commissioner Benedetto opposed, to accept the recommendation of the Vehicle Replacement Advisory Board to approve the scheduled vehicle purchases for the Police Department from MHQ (State Contract), pending City Council approval.
Commissioner Benedetto questioned the move to bigger vehicles, why the detective's vehicle is being replaced after just having been repaired, why a Ford Expedition was chosen for shift supervisors, why detectives aren't put in smaller vehicles and how many cars the detective bureau has.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously
to accept Chief Michael Maniago’s Report for January 2014. Commissioner McLeod questioned the replacement of the retired training officer with a sergeant. Chief Maniago said that the position needs the authority to do what needs to be done.
OFFICER PISARSKI’S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Zaharek, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Steven Pisarski's Traffic Division Report for January 2014.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept Fire Chief Brunoli's Report for January 2014. Commissioner McLeod asked if the Deputy Fire Marshal Investigation Report could be discussed in public. Atty. Rigat replied that the report is properly available to the public upon request.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Report for January 2014.
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Fire Chief Pepler's Report for January 2014. Commissioner Benedetto asked for a report on lockout calls. Chief Brunoli listed the 18 incidents that occurred since last November.
FIRE MARSHAL'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept Fire Marshal Tharau's Report for January 2014.
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 January 2014.
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 January 2014.
EMS PROVIDER REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report for January 2014. Commissioner Benedetto asked how the Fire Department is dispatched on certain calls and why it is dispatched to calls for sick people. Mr. Rosa said the automatic dispatch occurs based on categories previously approved by the Board of Public Safety. Chief Brunoli explained that an EMD protocol is followed with each call, coded according to the answers received to the questions asked by the dispatcher. Mayor Carbone recommended the Policy Subcommittee review this.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to add Section B to the agenda.
DISCUSS DISTRESSED GLOCK SIDEARMS
Chief Maniago reported accuracy, random failure, malfunction, sighting and alignment problems with the 40 cal. 4th generation Glock guns received in October 2012. He said Sgt. Peters, Capt. Balzano and Lt. Barown investigated and contacted Glock but received no recompense. Chief Maniago said that an anonymous donor has offered to purchase new guns, leather and magazine pouches for the Department, but new ammunition would need to be purchased as soon as possible. Lt. Barown and Sgt. Peters explained their choice of a Sighauer 45 cal. gun purchase.
PURCHASE NEW GUNS
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Maniago's recommendation to purchase new guns using an anonymous donation. Commissioner Benedetto thanked the donor.
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 he will consider voiding approximately $10,000 of unpaid parking tickets from 1994 to 2003 as it may not be reasonable to plan on collecting them. He said he will bring this matter to a future Board meeting. Mayor Carbone wondered if there is a statute of limitation on collecting unpaid parking tickets.
Chief Maniago reported that Officer Deloy has taken possession of a donated 12-week-old German Shepherd named "Titus", slated to be the patrol dog to replace "Brody."
Chief Maniago said that Officer Loucks will be receiving an award on March 26th from the CT Police Commissioners Assn. for finishing first in his academy class. The award will be a specially engraved Ruger handgun, he said, and added that Officer Loucks is an outstanding officer and well-deserving of this.
Deputy Chief Smedick commended Lt. Barown and Sgt. Peters on their weapons proposal presentation.
Chief Brunoli thanked Firefighter David Kuhn for his years of service.
BUSINESS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Volunteer Fire Departments.
Drakeville's Chief Maccalous reported that one firefighter is going to FF1 class.
Torringford's Chief Newkirk reported that two firefighters are attending FF1, one firefighter is attending FF2, and four are attending driver training class. He said they now have 10 interior firefighters.
Burrville Chief Noad questioned the Board of Public Safety's approval of the Torrington Fire Service Plan when it violates the signed Agreement between the City and the Volunteers, especially in the annual appropriation. Mayor Carbone asked Corporation Counsel to review the matter and issue an opinion before this matter is discussed further. Chief Brunoli explained that Mayor Bingham had wanted the appropriation payments administered through Direct Pay Vouchers, allowing greater accountability. Chief Noad said the appropriation only covered the cost of basic operations, just to keep the doors open.
BUSINESS: MAYOR & MEMBERS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Zaharek congratulated the poster contest winners, thanked Sgt. Peters and Lt. Barown, and thanked both the gun and dog donors.
Commissioner Benedetto questioned traffic enforcement and the Explorer uniforms, congratulated Firefighter Shopey and thanked Chief Cross for his presentation.
Commissioner Conforti congratulated the poster contest winners and commended the Police and Fire Departments for outstanding work on the line and in representing the City. He suggested there is recourse for parking ticket violations through 3 different state statutes and questioned the Fire Department's extra duty hours.
Commissioner McLeod congratulated the poster contest winners and the Fire Department for the Department of Defense award and thanked Sgt. Peters and Lt. Barown.
Commissioner Battle thanked Sgt. Peters and Lt. Barown, thanked the Fire Department for supporting Firefighter Shopey and said she enjoyed reviewing the letters of thanks and appreciation to the Police and Fire Departments.
Mayor Carbone said the Fire Department did a terrific job allowing firefighters to serve us in ways that go beyond the four corners of Torrington and added that she appreciated Sgt. Peters and Lt. Barown's work.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:25 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
| 
