Public Safety (Subcommittee of the City Council)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Central Fire Station 7:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Alderman William Nash, Alderman Mark Bettencourt, Alderwoman Sofee Noblick Administration and Staff Present: John Bilda, Interim City Manager; Chief Frank Blanchard, Yantic Fire Department; Chief Aaron Westervelt, Laurel Hill Fire Department; Chief Tim Jencks, Taftville Fire Department; Chief Scandariato, Norwich Fire Department; Bob LaChapelle, Deputy Chief, Occum Fire Department; Gene Arters, Emergency Management Director Volunteer/Central Fire Departments and Others: Chris LaRose, Norwich Public Utilities; Tom Cutler, Norwich Public Utilities; Ken Leo, Yantic Fire Department; Ron Stotz, Yantic Fire Department; Raymond Henry, Yantic Fire Department; Raymond O’Connell I. Call to Order – Quorum Alderman William Nash called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. There is a quorum present. II. Approval of Minutes - Minutes of December 10, 2014 Alderman Sofee Noblick motioned, seconded by Alderman Mark Bettencourt, to approve the December 10, 2014 minutes. The minutes were unanimously approved. III. Correspondence 1. Norwich Public Utilities Correspondence:  Indianapolis CNG Refuse Truck Fire Update  Department Correspondence dated 1/12/15 – Moving the Emergency Management Radio Station from the Recreation Center to the Senior Center 2. Do Not Enter Property “DNE” Ordinance Proposal received from Chief Scandariato dated 2/11/15 IV. Citizen Comment None V. Old Business a) Emergency Radio System HVAC Upgrades Mr. LaRose presented cost estimates to the committee in December. He distributed a memo with the cost estimate to move the Emergency Management Radio Station from the Recreation Center to the Senior Center. The cost for this move is $5,200.00. This would save $800.00 from the cost proposal presented in December ($18,600.00). The total cost estimate for the EGP, Moriarty, Occum, Rec Center, and Taftville environmental systems modification is now $17,800.00. MOTION: To forward a recommendation to the city council that an amount of $17,800.00 be appropriated to handle the HVAC and the moving  of equipment. Made: Alderman Mark Bettencourt, 2nd Alderman Sofee Nobleck, motion unanimoulsy approved. Follow up on December citizen comment regarding the Joshua Center concerns. The police department has met with the Principal of the school and others regarding the concerns and they are working with them to come up with a joint solution. VI. New Business a) NPU Gas and Electric Training Mr. LaRose reported that letters went out this week regarding training and two chiefs have proactively scheduled training. Mr. LaRose also reported on an Indianapolis CNG refuse truck fire that occurred on January 27, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN. There will be a webinar at Norwich Public Utilities on March 4, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. regarding solar panels and all are invited to attend. b) Fire Department Hydrant Use Reporting Mr. Cutler presented a PowerPoint presentation to the committee. He asked the fire chiefs to please email him estimated use reports. The chiefs stated that in the past they would receive group email reminders requesting this information from them. Mr. Cutler said he would look into sending those types of reminder emails to the chiefs. It was noted that it is very important for Norwich Public Utilities to know if hydrants were used for training or emergencies especially in the winter months to prevent frozen hydrants. c) Marine Safety Ordinance Chief Scandariato discussed a proposed draft ordinance regarding Marine Safety. He discussed the potential volatility that the department noticed during a New Years’ fire at the marina. The committee discussed this proposal. MOTION: To forward this proposal to the Harbor Management Committee to review this proposal and get back to this committee with their recommendation. Made: Alderman Mark Bettencourt, 2nd Alderman Sofee Nobleck, motion unanimoulsy approved. VII. Other Chief Scandariato discussed a second proposed ordinance that he brought to this meeting regarding “DNE” Do Not Enter Property. He discussed the rationale for this draft proposal. The committee inquired for the reasoning since the fire department has the right not to enter buildings now. Chief Scandariato explained that the department has the ability not to enter during an emergency (fire), but this is language that would allow them to coordinate with the Building Inspector prior to a fire emergency. The committee discussed this proposal. MOTION: To forward this ordinance proposal to the city manager, corporate council, other fire chiefs, and building officials for their input and consideration and for them to give the committee feedback. Made: Alderman Mark Bettencourt, 2nd Alderman Sofee Nobleck, motion unanimoulsy approved. The committee asked Mr. Bilda to follow-up and give the committee data either in March or April.  Chief Scandariato discussed hydrant clearing. He noted that Public Works offered to help with clearing hydrants, but didn't know where they were located. Mr. LaRose stated that Norwich Public Utilities has this information and can provide that to them. He also discussed a pilot program used on an iPad that has been launched at Central Fire Station and will be launched to other departments in the future. Gene Arters commented that Barry did a great job with snow removal. Alderman Nash stated that starting next month he is asking each fire chief to give a fire house status update at the meeting to include: infrastructure update, memberships (membership drives), equipment issues, other concerns (safety issues, hydrants, etc.), and upcoming events. Chief Scandariato reported that he was called to testify in favor of renaming a section of bridge in town. This is being considered in Hartford. Alderman Nash stated that he is looking for locations for a memorial site for Mr. Mazarelli (Norwich WWII decorated veteran). VIII. Future Agenda Items IX. Adjournment Upon a motion by Alderman Mark Bettencourt, seconded by Alderman Sofee Noblick, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:50 pm. Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Kayser, Recording Secretary