City Council

~AD HOC REPORT~ State Homeland Security Grant (Region 5) MOA Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Chairman Frank Salvatore called the meeting to order at 5:07p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Present was Committee Member Elmer Palma; Absent was Committee Member Joseph Britton. From the City were Matthew Cassavechia, Emergency Management Director; Joseph Mortelliti, Outside Counsel; Roberto Alves, Mayor; and Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant. Ex Officio Member present was Peter Buzaid. Chair Salvatore explained the purpose of the ad hoc and asked Mr. Cassavechia to summarize the Region 5 Security Grant Program. Mr. Cassavechia explained that the Regional Emergency Planning Team (R.E.P.T.) has had a partnership with the City of Danbury for several years. As a partner, the City of Danbury serves as the custodian of emergency response equipment and benefits from the team’s support functions which improve the City’s ability to respond to emergencies and is active in the allocation of grant funds. The City also benefits through first priority assistance and resources in case of an emergency. Mr. Mortelliti discussed the MOA and noted that it uses language and funding requirements in effect in 2024. He explained that concerns with the Federal Government’s recent changes to data and information sharing was not used for this agreement. He further explained that the state did confirm via multiple communications that the language in the MOA cannot be amended. Chair Salvatore explained that a constituent did share some concerns with the language regarding data sharing; Mr. Mortelliti explained that the state has assured the Office of Corporation Counsel that the 2024 funding language is used for this MOA. Chair Salvatore explained that these types of funding agreements are traditionally one fiscal year behind, that is why the MOA includes requirements from 2024. Chair Salvatore asked what the losses and risks would be to our community if this agreement is not signed; Mr. Cassavechia confirmed that Danbury is a key regional partner and that the equipment that is housed and used in Danbury could be at risk. Mr. Cassavechia also noted the importance of these assets, including the HAZMAT equipment. Member Palma asked Mr. Mortelliti about language in the MOA that could have legal consequences for the city; Mr. Mortelliti clarified that Corporation Counsel does not foresee any legal issues with this MOA. He further clarified that data sharing concerns were discussed with state officials and that this MOA does not include recent Federal Government language changes. Member Palma asked about costs of participating in the REPT; Mr. Cassavechia confirmed there are no fees, and that the MOA allows the City of Danbury to serve as the custodian of the equipment and allows the City priority use in an emergency. Mr. Cassavechia explained that this is an administrative document; and that emergency activation plans are evaluated annually by each municipality. Member Palma asked about trained personnel who can use the equipment; Mr. Cassavechia explained that this MOA does not address public safety personnel or training; and that each municipality has their own experts who coordinate emergency responses. Mr. Buzaid identified language in Article II on page 29 that requires recipients to share information with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); he noted his concern that this allows the Federal Government to access information about who uses programs and funds. He asked if the State of Connecticut or the U.S. Treasury hold the funds; Mr. Mortelliti said that he would find out. Mr. Buzaid asked for examples of equipment that are at risk if this MOA is not signed; Mr. Cassavechia identified the portable radio inventory that is housed in Danbury and may be supplied to nearby municipalities when needed. Recently, these radios were used to assist with emergency services in a municipality dealing with a loss of communications. He also discussed road message signs used to direct traffic and provide traffic alerts; these are also housed in Danbury and are shared with neighboring municipalities when needed. Mr. Mortelliti returned to Mr. Buzaid’s question regarding who holds the funds, and he confirmed that the MOA states that the state is custodian of these funds. A motion was made by Chair Salvatore, seconded by Member Palma, to recommend to the Council to approve the resolution and allow the Mayor, or his designee Matthew Cassavechia, to execute the memorandum as amended (correction to Mayor’s name). Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Committee Member Palma, seconded by Chair Salvatore, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:27 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Frank Salvatore, Chair, Elmer Palma