Public Safety (Subcommittee of the City Council)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Occum Volunteer 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 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; Ken Leo, Yantic Fire Department; Ron Stotz, Yantic Fire Department; Raymond Henry, Yantic Fire Department; Nicholas Brown, Taftville Fire Department; Carroll Spaulding, Occum Fire Department; Brian Kobylarz (Community Member); John Wieczorek, Occum Fire Department; Scott Eggert, Occum Fire Department; Jessica Strout, Occum Fire Department; John Jakubowski, Occum Fire Department I. Call to Order – Quorum Alderman William Nash called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. There is a quorum present. II. Approval of Minutes - Minutes of February 11, 2015 and March 11, 2015 Alderman Sofee Noblick motioned, seconded by Alderman Mark Bettencourt, to approve the February 11, 2015 and March 11, 2015 minutes. The minutes were unanimously approved. III. Correspondence – None. IV. Citizen Comment Brian Kobylarz, 16 Hobart Avenue – Spoke about the need for the city to look at the support services/program that move into neighborhoods with a specific vision in place and re-visit in the future to see if the vision/program has changed that negatively impact neighborhoods. The alderman noted that this is a very difficult fix, but raising awareness in neighborhoods is critical. Mr. Kobylarz will contact corporate council about what their obligations are as far as changes and what the city can do as far as notifications. Chief Jenks spoke about an incident where children found heroin needles in the dugout. He stated that the whole complex is falling in a state of disrepair. Police and the school were notified of the incident and the police have stated they will increase patrols. Mr. Bilda stated that he will follow-up on this issue. V. Old Business a) Ordinance Proposals Update (Marine Safety and DNE) Chief Scandariato retracted the DNE ordinance proposal to get better dialogue on this issue before moving further. Chief Scandariato discussed the importance of seeing this ordinance followed through and have in place before the season begins. The  committee discussed this proposal. Mr. Bilda stated that he will follow-up on this issue and update the committee in June. VI. New Business a) Spring Water System Flush Mr. LaRose reported that water quality flushing will begin on Monday and continue for three weeks. He noted that some water service disruptions and/or dirty water could occur. This information was posted in the newspaper and any critical customers were informed in advance. Mr. LaRose reminded the committee members that any hydrant training usage needs to be reported to the NPU control room. Mr. LaRose reported on the Greeneville Fall Beautification Project where they will be painting hydrants. It was noted that the hydrant chain cannot be painted the numbers and banding must remain visible. He stated that after the hydrants are painted NPU will inspect them. b) Radio HVAC Update Mr. LaRose reported that the new air conditioning units have been installed as well as the exhaust fan in Occum. He noted that the Recreation Center has an outstanding RFP and that they will be working with Public Works to coordinate the installation. c) Fire House Status Updates Chief Scandariato, Norwich Fire Department: Encouraged Chiefs to contact him about the new system if they have any questions/issues. Discussed the need to investigate installing solar panels for the Greeneville Fire Department. John Bilda reported that East Great Plains Fire Department had some roof damage from the snow and they are working on creative solutions to correct the problem. Chief Frank Blanchard, Yantic Fire Department: Membership is at 59 (capacity 60); April calls were up/May normal; Mutual aid in April was high; Yantic and Occum Fire Departments signed an agreement with dispatch to cover the highway with dual coverage; Squad 36 is being serviced; Budget will be tight at year end; Hale Mill Response Plan; Social activities; and Vehicle exhaust (filter system) is a budget priority every year that needs to be addressed. Chief Tim Jencks, Taftville Fire Department: Updating run cards; Membership update; Upgrading portable radios; Renovating plans; Children Safe First Program; 150th Town Anniversary Celebration; and Working with Josh on a replacement boat motor. Bob LaChapelle, Deputy Chief, Occum Fire Department: Training update; Membership update; Portable radios; Roof leak problem; and Truck being serviced (very smoky when it starts up). Gene Arters, Emergency Management Director: Talked about past and upcoming meetings; Central Baptists Church will serve as a shelter; His  building needs roof work badly (tarps); and thanked Fleet Maintenance for keeping their vehicles up and running. VII. Other Chief Scandariato thanked members for their assistance with the search and recovery effort (drowning). He will be working with Chief Jencks on an automatic aid assignment. He also reported that he is working with the schools to get new keys for the lock boxes (security upgrades); discussed the need for a better boat launch; traffic light issue (safety) at the intersection of the Norwich Fire Department; and hang tags for visited unoccupied homes. Mr. Bilda stated that he should work with Mr. LaRose regarding the traffic light issue. Alderman Nash inquired if there is a current program in place with regard to childproofing homes (kids placing items in electrical outlets). Mr. LaRose said he will explore this with schools as an educational opportunity. VIII. Future Agenda Items IX. Adjournment Upon a motion by Alderman Mark Bettencourt, seconded by Alderman Sofee Noblick, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:09 pm. Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Kayser, Recording Secretary