Public Safety (Subcommittee of the City Council)

Public Safety Committee Meeting Emergency Management, Norwich March 10, 2010 Minutes Committee Members Present Alderman William Nash Alderman H Tucker Braddock Jr. Committee Members Not Present Alderwoman Jackie Caron Administration and Staff Present Alan H. Bergren, City Manager Chief Tim Jencks, Taftville Vol. Fire Department Assistant Chief Tom Jencks, Taftville Vol. Fire Department Chief Frank Blanchard, Yantic Fire Department Chief Robert Patton, Occum Fire Department Emergency Mgmt Dep Director, Roland Frechette Captain Eric Benoit, Taftville Fire Department Gene Arters, Emergency Management Director Chief Patrick Daley, Norwich Police Dept. / East Great Plains Vol. Fire Department Volunteer/Central Fire Departments and Others Roland Lambert, Occum Fire Department Ray O’Connell, Yantic Fire Department Paul O’Connell, Yantic Fire Department Aaron Westervelt, Laurel Hill Fire Department Gale Fishbone, East Great Plains Fire Department Dan Auger, Taftville Fire Department Michael T Pierce, Resident, Burton Avenue Alessandra B Pierce, Resident, Burton Avenue Sylvia Laudette, Resident, Burton Avenue Anita Miceli, Resident, Norwich Christine Winkler, 60 Dunham Street, Norwich Greg Smith, Norwich Bulletin I. Call to Order – Quorum Alderman William Nash called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. It was determined a quorum is present. II. Approval of Minutes Alderman William Nash amends the agenda to read “Approval of Minutes of February 18, 2010”. Alderman H Tucker Braddock Jr. motions to approve the February 18, 2010 Public Safety Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Alderman William Nash. All in favor, the motion passed. III. Correspondence Alderman William Nash asks if there is any correspondence. Norwich City Manager Alan Bergren submits documents pertaining to Sidewalk Incentive Programs. He also states that the Scotland Road area does not meet the community development targeted criteria. IV. Citizen Comment Alderman William Nash asks if there is any Citizens who wish to address the Committee. Someone in the gallery asks what the status is on Burton Avenue. Public Safety Committee Meeting March 10, 2010 Page 2 V. New Business – Albert Dunham Street area and ATV’s. Alderman William Nash turns the floor over to Lieutenant Pat Daley of the Norwich Police Department. Pat explains the steps being taken to eliminate the ATV usage on one of the properties there. It has been a problem due to noise, damage of neighboring properties and businesses, and possible trespass issues. The investigation is ongoing and shall continue until a resolution can be reached. Alderman H Tucker Braddock Jr. asks if the permission needs to be in writing. Lieutenant Pat Daley replies that when the riders are asked for written permission they are not always asked by the same officers and the riders tell them they’ll have the letter with them next time. It’s hard to enforce currently but they are continuing their efforts. Alderman William Nash asks that Lieutenant Pat Daley brings an update to the next meeting. “DEP enforcement states that if you are going to ride on an ATV on private property you have to have written permission on you at all times dated for that day.” I am not sure who in the gallery gave this information. VI. Old Business a. Burton Avenue Closure or travel reassignment – progress update. Alderman William Nash asks City Manager Alan Bergren for an update on the options. City Manager Alan Bergren states that Public Works can close off the Hamilton Ave side of Burton Avenue for approximately $2500 to $4000. He outlines what will be included in the closure work. He spoke with DOT about permits and the State states that they don’t think they’ll object to the plan. He also outlines the steps that are going to be taken to complete this closure to make the road a cul-de-sac. b. Truck Traffic on Lower Blissville Road. Alderman William Nash turns the floor over to Lieutenant Pat Daley for an update. Lieutenant Daley states that Lieutenant Molis checked the Certificate of Occupancy for the Bobs property and that it clearly states that truck traffic is prohibited from using Lower Blissville Road. As a violation they could lose their C.O. The P.D. is going to draft them a letter reminding them of this in hopes that they will correct the issue themselves. Further action will be taken if the violation continues. Alderman William Nash requests a copy of the letter be sent to the Public Safety Committee. VII. Other. None. VII. Adjournment Alderman H Tucker Braddock Jr. motions to adjourn at 7:26 p.m. Alderman William Nash seconds the motion and it passes unanimously. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted By Christine Averna