Public Safety (Subcommittee of the City Council)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Norwich Fire Department 7:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Alderman William Nash and Alderman Mark Bettencourt Administration and Staff Present: John Bilda, Interim City Manager; Chief Tim Jencks, Taftville Fire Department; Chief Pat Daley, East Great Plains Fire Department Volunteer/Central Fire Departments and Others: Chris LaRose, Norwich Public Utilities; Ken Leo, Yantic Fire Department; Ron Stotz, Yantic Fire Department; Brian Kobylarz (Community Member); Damian Rickard, American Ambulance; Aaron Westervett, Laurel Hill Fire Department; Kyle Seith, Norwich Fire Department; Nick Mathia, Norwich Fire Department; Tracy Montoya, Norwich Fire Department I. Call to Order – Quorum Alderman William Nash called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. There was a quorum present. II. Approval of Minutes - Minutes of September 9, 2015 Alderman Mark Bettencourt motioned, seconded by Alderman Bill Nash, to approve the September 9, 2015 minutes. The minutes were unanimously approved. III. Correspondence – Alderman Mark Bettencourt reported that residents at 321 Canterbury Tpke. have inquired with him about having a “caution blind drive” sign installed. The committee discussed this request and Chief Pat Daley will follow up on this. IV. Citizen Comment Resident Brian Kobylarz commented that street signage issues are being worked on with the new Public Works Director. He also reported on the sex offenders in the city and stated that there are now 115 in the city and 4 are listed as being in non- compliance. He also reported that the Dangerous Building Committee is looking into a structure/disintegrating floor next to the floor covering shop. Resident Jennifer Kayser explained a group home situation on 20 Maplewood Court and inquired if this is allowed and noted her safety concerns with this situation. Alderman Mark Bettencourt asked fort this to be followed up on at the next meeting. V. Old Business a) Little League Complex Update Mr. Bilda reported that the Town has looked into two different options. The city has applied for a grant and noted the work will be conducted in two phases. b) Marina Safety Update Mr. Bilda noted that there was nothing new to report at this time. VI. New Business a) Approve 2016 Meeting Schedule Alderman Mark Bettencourt motioned, seconded by Alderman Bill Nash, to approve the 2016 meeting schedule as presented. The meeting schedule for 2016 was unanimously approved. b) NPU Update Mr. LaRose reported on the following items: expects to complete the antenna work by the end of October and departments should be conservative with hydrant flushing due to current water levels. He also announced that Eric McDermott is NPU’s Generator Project Manager. c) Fire House Status Updates Mr. Bilda reported that the tree at the Taftville Fire Department will be removed and the roof fixed with a temporary repair; working on bid specs for the roof project at East Great Plains Fire Department; working on the HVAC unit for Laurel Hill Fire Department; discussed air packs; and reported on the Governor’s exercise drill on October 21, 2015. Chief Pat Daley, East Great Plains Fire Department: Reported that they are still working with the insurance company on the truck that was involved in an accident in May and that they are struggling to get the roof work done before winter. Aaron Westervett, Laurel Hill Fire Department: Reported that they are working on the HVAC system and that the painting has been completed. Chief Tim Jencks, Taftville Fire Department: Reported that the tree that fell damaged some ceiling tiles. He stated that the HVAC system is being worked on. VII. Other – Alderman Mark Bettencourt inquired about hose testing. It was noted that it went out to bid and was awarded to Waterway, NY. Alderman Mark Bettencourt and Alderman Bill Nash thanked the first responders for their service and noted that it has been an honor and a privilege working with everyone. VIII. Future Agenda Items
Little League Complex Update
(Group Home) 20 Maplewood Court Update IX. Adjournment Upon a motion by Alderman Bill Nash, seconded by Alderman Mark Bettencourt, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:29 pm. Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Kayser, Recording Secretary