MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
September 3, 2014
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Wednesday,
September 3, 2014.
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Raymond Rigat, Commissioners Darlene Battle, Douglas Benedetto, Richard Zaharek, Glenn McLeod and Robert Conforti, along with Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Deputy Fire Chief Christopher Pepler, Police Chief Michael Maniago, and Deputy Police Chief Christopher Smedick and Traffic Officer Steven Pisarski. Commissioner Angelo LaMonica was absent. Training Officer David Tripp, Jr., Economic Development Director Erin Wilson, Campion Ambulance Director of Operations Fred Rosa, City Clerk Joseph Quartiero and Drakeville Fire Chief Michael Maccalous were also present.
Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes the regular meeting held May 7, 2014.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously
to accept the minutes of the Special & Telephonic meeting held June 30, 2014.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular meeting held August 7, 2014.
Regarding the August 7th Minutes, Discussion on Contract Administration, Commissioner McLeod stated he would like the record to show that at this point he disagrees with the process because we did have quite a discussion on that and it’s not reflected in the minutes at all. Mayor Carbone clarified that the minutes are only about the action taken on a motion, and all discussion is kept in the audio recording. Commissioner McLeod said that if there is a dissention, it should be noted.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On a motion by Commissioner McLeod, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
J. Timothy Quirk spoke against the parking rate increase, saying it’s reasonable for the business community to expect that their customers can afford to park their cars. He urged the Board to think strongly about this as it will have an adverse reaction in the community.
Clarice Johnson asked for help with false information printed in the newspaper regarding her dog’s execution.
She said the newspaper quoted an acting Police Lieutenant, and she felt he should have acknowledged that he misspoke.
Mayor Carbone suggested more time for research be allowed, with a report to the Board from the Chief.
Chief Maniago said he has already met with Mrs. Johnson’s husband and son, and Commissioner McLeod. He said he is not prepared to apologize for semantics.
Commissioner McLeod said he met with the Chief and Mr. Johnson, agrees that it’s unfortunate and said he has seen the report.
Chief Maniago said he believes this law is outdated and added that he stands behind his officer’s newspaper quotes.
Mayor Carbone asked the Board if they felt the need for follow-up. No indication was given.
Jason Roberts spoke against the parking rate increase, saying no one he has spoken to seems to thinks this is a good idea whatsoever. He said parking downtown is a tough sell and a hassle for people.
Virginia Balch spoke against the parking rate increase as a proud downtown business owner. She said that now that downtown is having a renaissance, it is too soon to do this sudden and large raise in our meter rate. She said that cars remaining in the same spot all day is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Commissioner Battle described an email she received from Sharon Waagner who is opposed to the parking rate increase and recommended an ordinance be adopted to prohibit business owners and their employees from parking on Main and Water Streets.
Bruce Pinto asked what municipalities’ parking rates had been compared with ours. Mayor Carbone explained the CT Conference of Municipalities’ study was used. He said that one way to increase the amount of parking space downtown is to raise the meter rate, because people won’t be parking there.
Rachel Kelly said she understands the parking rate increase may be necessary but suggested this wait until January or February, after their busiest season is over.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept Chief Michael Maniago’s Report for July 2014.
OFFICER PISARSKI’S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Steven Pisarski's Traffic Operations Unit Report for July 2014.
Commissioner Benedetto asked about the 162 signs to be repaired. Officer Pisarski said the old, outdated signs will be replaced, as they have a life expectancy of ten years. He added that the signs need a certain reflectivity to be seen at night.
Commissioner Benedetto asked how the collections are progressing on the $287,000 outstanding parking ticket fines. Officer Pisarski said boot letters and overdue notices are being sent out and seem to be working pretty well.
PARKING RATE INCREASE DENIED
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board considered the recommendation of the Traffic Operations Unit to increase the parking rate to $1.00 per hour on city streets and $.50 per hour in city-owned parking lots.
Officer Pisarski reported that the last increase was implemented about 30 years ago, at which time the meters were set to stop accepting pennies. He said Torrington has the lowest rates. Officer Pisarski said the meters hurting downtown business is a misconception and he thinks that improper use of parking meters is what hurts the City. He said our Ordinance states that cars are to be moved when the meter expires.
Economic Development Director Erin Wilson reported on her findings, in consultation with the City Planner, on why the parking rate increase would be good for the City of Torrington. Addendum 1
Mayor Carbone said she wants a parking audit conducted and a plan considered to bring us up to the 21st century.
Commissioner McLeod noted that the assumption is being made that if the rates are increased, people won’t come downtown, and if the rates remain the same, people will. He requested more information to show what affect a rate increase will have on downtown.
Commissioner Benedetto noted that tax increases are difficult to swallow and that he thinks a small, tiered increase can help with the expense of parking lot maintenance.
Commissioner Zaharek said that often it’s the business owners who take up the parking spaces, leaving 15 or 20 people happy while the rest suffer.
Commissioner Battle said she is not ready to make this decision, she’d like more information, and would prefer the increase be phased in slowly.
Mayor Carbone said the total estimated annual parking revenue is $87,873. To illustrate the impact of the increased rate, based on current revenue, Mayor Carbone said the revenue would increase to $175,746.00 if
rates were increased to $.50 per hour and would increase to $351,492.00 if rates were increased to $1.00 per hour. She noted that the Traffic Division budget is $303,916.00 annually, including salaries and a sinking fund for maintenance.
Mayor Carbone reminded the Board that what they are really trying to do is push those longer-term visitors to parking lots so they are leaving the streets open for the merchants’ patrons coming in.
The Board voted one to four, with Commissioner Benedetto in favor, to accept the recommendation of the Traffic Operations Unit to increase the parking rate to $1.00 per hour on city streets and $.50 per hour in city-owned parking lots.
Mayor Carbone stated that the motion fails, and asked the Board for a recommendation. Commissioner McLeod said he would like to see pros and cons on the affect that the parking rate increase would have. He said he is not against doing this but needs more information.
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 July 2014. Commissioner Benedetto asked about the conference that Chief Brunoli attended. Chief Brunoli described the event and its benefits. Commissioner Conforti said he wasn’t pleased with the overtime levels. Chief Brunoli said he was short-staffed when the newly-hired were in class and that many vacations were taken in July. He explained that until he gets more firefighters in January, there will continue to be some overtime costs.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Report for July 2014. Commissioner Benedetto asked what Emergency Management’s role is in the Torrington Road Race. Chief Brunoli explained that they supply volunteers to help with traffic at major events to help it run smoothly.
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner McLeod, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Fire Chief Pepler's Report for July 2014. Deputy Chief Pepler said that any equipment issues will be discussed at next week’s Fire Service Coordination Committee meeting.
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 July 2014.
TRAINING OFFICER'S REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to accept Training Officer Tripp's Report for July 2014.
EMS PROVIDER REPORT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept the EMS Provider Activity Report for July 2014.
ADD TO AGENDA – SGT. SULTAIRE
On a motion by Commissioner Battle, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to add to the agenda.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to pin Sgt. Kevin Sultaire with his badge of office. Chief Maniago said he is a fine, upstanding officer and a well-respected member of the Department.
ADD TO AGENDA – SECTION B
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to add Section B to the Agenda.
Section B
WAIVE BID – FIRE HQ PARKING LOT PAVING
On a motion by Commissioner McLeod, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Fire Chief’s request to waive the bid process, and retain the services of Rafferty Fine Grading, Inc. of Enfield, CT and O & G Industries, Inc. of Torrington, CT for reclaiming, grading and paving the parking lot and driveway areas at Fire Headquarters for a projected cost of $96,323.68 plus any storm drain repairs, pending City Council approval on September 15, 2014.
Chief Brunoli explained that the bid process should be waived in order to get the project completed before a storm drain collapses. He said that both Rafferty and O & G are currently doing work for the City and O & G has a state contract.
Chief Brunoli described his frustration in getting the information he needed to put this project together over a period of six months. Mayor Carbone agreed that a Facilities Director would help in situations like this, and she will continue to look for ways to create that position.
Section B
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner --McLeod, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session regarding Police Department Personnel at 7:56 p.m., inviting Chief Maniago, Deputy Chief Smedick and Atty. Rigat.
Section B
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to enter Open Session at 8:07 p.m.
Section B
HIRE POLICE OFFICER – R. Cizauskas
On a motion by Commissioner McLeod, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to hire Robert Cizauskas as a probationary police officer with an effective date at the discretion of the Chief.
BUSINESS: DEPT. HEADS
On a motion by Commissioner Battle, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Chief Maniago listed his vacancies and their current status.
Chief Brunoli reminded the Board that Capt. McElroy is retiring and he’d like to promote to that position at the October meeting. He announced two classes he is hosting at the Fire House, and the next Fire Service Coordination Committee meeting at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 10th. Chief Brunoli commended the union for raising $15,000 in their Boot Drive, and announced an upcoming 9-11 ceremony on September 11th, as well as a Red Hot Chili Pipers concert dedicated to First Responders. Chief Brunoli requested permission to allow the Drakeville Tanker to participate in the State Convention in Litchfield, manned and able to respond from there.
Mr. Rosa distributed a Heat Map showing EMS call locations in the City from September 2012 through August 2014. (Addendum 2) He said it shows that most activity is downtown and will continue to collect data. Commissioner Benedetto said he’d like to see data for cardiac arrests, motor vehicle accidents and overdoses.
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.
Drakeville Chief Maccalous announced a Benefit Dinner at the Drakeville Firehouse on September 27th for volunteer firefighter Steve Simasek who has been diagnosed with cancer.
Torringford had no report.
BUSINESS: MAYOR & MEMBERS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Benedetto asked Deputy Chief Pepler for a copy of the schools’ Critical Incident Plan. He questioned the policy of having new firefighter recruits buy their own book. Chief Brunoli said he could budget for it, but he has heard no complaints. Commissioner Benedetto congratulated Sgt. Sultaire for his promotion.
Commissioner Conforti commended Michael Giordano and Jason Cooling for their performance, congratulated Sgt. Sultaire for his promotion and Capt. McElroy on his retirement.
Commissioner McLeod congratulated Sgt. Sultaire for his promotion. He asked everyone to remember to use his City email address for invitations, etc.
Commissioner Battle congratulated St. Sultaire and welcomed Officer Cizauskas. She asked Chief Brunoli if he needed approval for the Drakeville Tanker to go to Litchfield for the State Convention. He said he would appreciate this approval and noted that they could respond quicker from Litchfield if the Tanker was with them. Commissioner Benedetto voiced his opposition. Chief Brunoli said it is part of the fire service morale to be proud of what you do and to participate in parades.
ADD TO AGENDA -- DRAKEVILLE TANKER TO LITCHFIELD
On a motion by Commissioner Battle, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted 4/1, with Commissioner Benedetto opposed, to add to the agenda.
DRAKEVILLE TANKER TO LITCHFIELD
On a motion by Commissioner Battle, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board considered approving the Drakeville Tanker’s participation in the State Convention in Litchfield on September 21st.
Commissioner Benedetto reminded the Board of the reason this Tanker was purchased and said it isn’t fair to people in the rural areas of Saw Mill Hill, Mountain Road, and Drakeville to have this truck on parade. Chief Brunoli said that part of being a Volunteer Firefighter, and being proud of what they do, is participating in parades.
Commissioner McLeod said he agreed with Commissioner Benedetto, but also agreed that the State Convention is a choice event. He said he thinks an exception should be made to allow it to go to the State Convention.
The Board voted 4/1 in favor, with Commissioner Benedetto opposed.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:37 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Carol L. Anderson, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
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