Public Safety (Subcommittee of the City Council)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday July 11, 2012 East Great Plains Fire Department 7:00 P.M. Committee Members Present Alderman Mark Bettencourt Alderwoman Sofee Noblick Committee Members Not Present Alderman H. Tucker Braddock Jr. Administration and Staff Present Alan H. Bergren, City Manager Chief Frank Blanchard, Yantic Fire Department Chief Aaron Westervelt, Laurel Hill Fire Department Gene Arters, Director OEM Patrick Daley, Norwich Police Lieutenant / Chief East Great Plains Fire Department Deputy Chief Bob LaChapelle, Occum Fire Department Chief Scandariato, Norwich Fire Department Chief Tim Jencks, Taftville Fire Department Jake Manke, Deputy Fire Marshal, Norwich Assistant Chief Paul O’Connell, Yantic Fire Department Volunteer/Central Fire Departments and Others Damian Rickard, American Ambulance Joseph Hebert, Norwich Fire Department Mr. Dave Mitchell, 35 Hobart Avenue Mrs. Rhonda Mitchell, 35 Hobart Avenue Mr. Brian Kobylarz, 16 Hobart Avenue Mr. Mark Gagne, 41 Park Street Mr. Jim Small, 87 Cliff Street Claire Bessette, The Day Adam Benson, The Bulletin I. Call to Order – Quorum Alderman Mark Bettencourt called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. It was determined a quorum was present. II. Approval of Minutes - Minutes of June 13, 2012. Alderwoman Sofee Noblick motioned to approve the June 13, 2012 minutes, seconded by Alderman Mark Bettencourt. All in favor, the motion passed. III. Correspondence There was none IV. Citizen Comment Mr. Dave Mitchell discusses his concerns about the relocation of the soup kitchen to Hope Street. He felt that the City had cast their neighborhood away. He wanted to know what was being done for the safety of their neighborhood during this relocation. He also felt unrepresented by the City, as if the City didn’t care about them. He also read in the paper that the Diocese was thanking the City which made it sound as if the City helped make this happen. Public Safety Meeting Minutes July 11, 2012 Page 2 Alderman Mark Bettencourt replies that there was no agreement between the Diocese and the City. The City building official actually said not but the State Building Official overruled the City’s decision. Norwich did try to prevent it. Mr. Brian Kobylarz discusses his concerns about the relocation of the soup kitchen to Hope Street. He believes the first error the City made was when the zoning officer said there was no issue with a restaurant at Buckingham. Accessory use is subordinate use. It was a school. The cafeteria was incidental use, not primary. The zoning approval wasn’t done correctly. A soup kitchen is not equal to a school (cafeteria). The reasoning was that they’re only using a similar portion (to the cafeteria) for the soup kitchen. There is also the issue of other programs that are already in the area that have been put in place to help with anonymity for those in the programs, a feeling of safety and security. Now there are going to be many non-residents coming to the area. A lot of foot traffic. He feels that this will ruin the ability to police the area – these new people will be reasonably there. He felt that this whole thing was done in a shady way. Mr. Jim Small discusses his concerns about the relocation of the soup kitchen to Hope Street. He feels that an increased police presence is not going to be enough. These new people in the neighborhood will have reason to be there. Unless the police stay for a while and maintain a presence. This is going to drop house values and yet the tax bills keep going up. There needs to be re-evaluation. Mr. Brian Kobylarz agrees about the house values, and also believes it will also impact business owners as well. He also believes there will be a squatter issue. There is a lot of squatter area available very close to dwellings that are lived in. Alderman Mark Bettencourt reminds them that if they see something they have to call the City Manager’s office. If the City doesn’t know about the issues they can’t address them. V. New Business Chief Scandariato asks for the floor so Deputy Fire Marshal Jake Manke can discuss a new software program that is meant to streamline inspections. It works with all existing software. Each inspector would carry an iPad with a checklist. That would dispatch immediately and shows what properties are safe and which are unsafe. The licensing fees are per house not per computer device. New London is very happy with the program. He spoke with the University of New Haven about getting an intern to do data entry. It would cost $16,000. That would include upgrades. a. Laurel Hill Issues Chief Daley informed the committee that the Maitai investigation is continuing. Alderman Bettencourt and City Manager Bergren wanted to know about sending a letter to Liquor Control. Is this considered a nuisance business? Chief Daley states that it could happen but there is cost involved and it is a long process. The information required has to show how each step in the process and attempt failed. Public Safety Meeting Minutes July 11, 2012 Page 3  b. Soup Kitchen Relocation Captain Daley states that there will be heavy police presence. He spoke with many residents up in the area. The soup kitchen representative is very sensitive to the neighbors’ concerns. The police are also volunteering to add coverage. The Cliff Street block watch program is also starting again. Residents are urged to call and email. Keeping the lines of communication open is key. They are prepared to deploy additional officers immediately. Mr. David Mitchell doesn’t support this being put in a residential area. Mr. Jim Small believes that loitering will be a big problem. Captain Daley says he reached out to Hartford and was trained on trespassing. Walking is okay but sitting is not. Jillian (soup kitchen representative) also wants to know that everyone is being proper. She wants to do good work without disturbing the neighborhood. Mr. Brian Kobylarz hopes the walking traffic patterns will be watched. The Oak Street Cemetery is already damaged. He is concerned it will become a hangout. Alderman Bettencourt asks Captain Daley to convey to the Chief that this is a priority. Captain Daley states that this is already a priority. Every day. Asks that all those involved keep giving feedback. VI. Old Business Alderwoman Sofee Noblick mentions that the incentive program is still being worked on. VII. Other a. Chief Scandariato brings up 312 Boswell Avenue action. There is a bio diesel problem. He believes that through the blight office they may be able to enforce the letter of the law to get it cleaned up. b. Chief Scandariato brings up attack planning. They are going to have a plan they will be handing out. He also mentions that the Fit Test Machine. It has been calibrated and is open to all volunteers. Chief Daley invites all to tour the training property and to see the apparatus. VIII. Adjournment Alderwoman Sofee Noblick motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Mark Bettencourt. All in favor the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Christine Averna