Public Safety (Subcommittee of the City Council)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, June 10, 2015 American Ambulance 7:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Alderman William Nash and Alderman Mark Bettencourt 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; Chief Pat Daley, East Great Plains Fire Department Volunteer/Central Fire Departments and Others: Chris LaRose, Norwich Public Utilities; Ron Stotz, Yantic Fire Department; Brian Kobylarz (Community Member); Damian Rickard, American Ambulance; Officer Camp, Norwich Police Department 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 May 13, 2015 Alderman Mark Bettencourt motioned, seconded by Alderman Bill Nash, to approve the May 13, 2015 minutes. The minutes were unanimously approved. III. Correspondence – None. IV. Citizen Comment – None. V. Old Business a) Marine Safety Ordinance Proposal Update Mr. Bilda reported that he has had conversations regarding this matter. He feels that instead of passing an ordinance that we work on speaking to the marina manager and work with them to collaborate with the emergency responders. Alderman Bettencourt added that he felt this makes sense to work with the manager first and “grab the low hanging fruit”. This was discussed by the committee. Chief Scandariato felt that conversations should start soon. Alderman Bettencourt asked Mr. Bilda to set up a meeting with the marina manager and invite Chief Scandariato to start the conversation. Alderman Nash asked for an update on this at the September meeting. The public address system at the harbor was discussed and it was noted that it might be possible to build on to the system that Gene Arters uses. Mr. Bilda updated the committee on the little league complex. He stated that he did receive a quote for $15,000.00 to remove the dugout and concession stand and replace with benches. He noted that this was an expensive quote so he is following up with Public Works to see if this can be handled internally. Mr. LaRose reported on the following items: water system flush is complete; Opti-com system is installed at Central Fire Department;  redesigned Senior Center radio antenna; and he is exploring safety programs for the fall with the Board of Education. VI. New Business a) Fire House Status Updates Chief Scandariato, Norwich Fire Department: Updated the committee on the new system and noted that there is a training video available to all Fire Departments. He discussed the bugs in the new system and asked for feedback from the other departments. He discussed the new Opti-com system and noted that he would like to work on a system for all departments. Chief Tim Jencks, Taftville Fire Department: Reported that the boat motor was installed today. He also updated the committee on the 150th Town Anniversary Celebration. Chief Frank Blanchard, Yantic Fire Department: Gave a membership update; Call volume normal; Utilizing firehouse.net; Run cards submitted; Apparatus in good shape; Updated on fleet maintenance issues; Mutual aid update; Training update; AC upgrade and diesel exhaust are issues; Connex box needs replacing; Discussed the preplan of Joshua Center; Spectra Energy pipeline upgrade update; and Fireworks update. Chef Pat Daley, East Great Plains Fire Department: Seeking bids for the roof repair work; Discussed an accident with a fire truck; Training and membership update; Managing software update changes with staff; Mutual aid update; and Discussed DOT assistance for highway accidents. Officer Camp, Norwich Police Department: Thanked everyone for assisting with the community events. VII. Other – None. VIII. Future Agenda Items IX. Adjournment Upon a motion by Alderman Mark Bettencourt, seconded by Alderman Bill Nash, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:35 pm. Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Kayser, Recording Secretary