Public Safety (Subcommittee of the City Council)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Laurel Hill Fire Department 7:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Alderman William Nash, Alderman H. Tucker Braddock, Alderman Gerald Martin Administration and Staff Present: John Bilda, Interim City Manager; Chief Frank Blanchard, Yantic Fire Department; Chief Tim Jencks, Taftville Fire Department; Chief Pat Daley, East Great Plains Fire Department; Chief Scandariato, Norwich Fire Department; Deputy Chief Bernard Herz, Yantic Fire Department Volunteer/Central Fire Departments and Others: Chris LaRose, Norwich Public Utilities; Ron Stotz, Yantic Fire Department; Hope Jencks, Taftville Fire Department; Damian Rickard, American Ambulance; Aaron Westervett, Laurel Hill Fire Department; Michael Carlos, Laurel Hill Fire Department; Adam Herz, Yantic Fire Department; Matthew Carlos, Laurel Hill Fire Department; Ed Martin, Laurel Hill Fire Department I. Call to Order – Quorum Alderman Nash called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. There was a quorum present. Chairman Vote: Alderman Martin motioned, seconded by Alderman Braddock, to nominate Bill Nash as Chairman. The motion unanimously approved. II. Approval of Minutes - Minutes of October 14, 2015 Alderman Nash motioned, seconded by Alderman Braddock, to approve the October 14, 2015 minutes. The minutes were unanimously approved. III. Correspondence – None. IV. Citizen Comment – None. V. Old Business a) Little League Complex Update Mr. Bilda reported that the Council approved funding for demolition and improvements. Buildings have been demolished and the fencing has been removed. He reported that the Public Safety aspect of this project is complete. VI. New Business a) NPU Update Mr. LaRose reported that the radio has been relocated from the Recreation Center to the Senior Center and the radio project is now complete. b) Fire House Status Updates Laurel Hill Fire Department: Reported that they are working on the HVAC system; they have met with the Public Works Director about plowing issues from last year; Boot drive (raised $1,800.00); and Upcoming events (Santa Drive and Holiday Party).  Chief Pat Daley, East Great Plains Fire Department: Reported that the City Manager as assisted with the truck repair (damaged in accident); Roof project update; Smoke detector giveaway; Christmas Tree sale; Santa runs; and Membership. Chief Tim Jencks, Taftville Fire Department: Reported that the HVAC system is out to bid; Roof has been repaired from tree damage; Truck inspections; Internet connectivity issues; Community events; Training Update; and Membership. Chief Blanchard, Yantic Fire Department: Membership update; Budget; Call volume up 2-3%; Mutual aid; Training update (DMV Q Endorsement in April); Extrication equipment out to bid; Station winterized; Steak Night (1st Thursday of month - $22.00); Santa runs; and Fill the Rescue Truck Food Drive (upcoming). Chief Scandariato, Norwich Fire Department: Plumbing issues; Windows are being looked into for efficiency and safety issues; Apparatus update; Community event update (Light up City Hall); Training update; All hazards drill; Budget update; and Membership. Damian Rickard, American Ambulance: Reported on the work being performed at the facility; All hazards drill; Backus evacuation drill; and Stuff an Ambulance Event (upcoming). Police Department: DUI enforcement; Crime down in the city; Community policing; Secret Santa program; Upcoming community events; and Recruitment. Alderman Martin noted some safety issues with illegal passing/speeding on Route 165 and Route 2 (Grace Episcopal Church) and cars ignoring the traffic light at Backus in the early morning hours (5:30 am). This will be looked into by the Police Department. VII. Other Alderman Nash inquired about active shooter drills at the schools and was informed that the Police Department is looking into doing one early next year at an Elementary School. Alderman Nash encouraged the continuation of the Chiefs meetings with the new City Manager. Mr. Bilda reported that a RFP has been issued by City to look at emergency radio system upgrade. (RFP is due 12/29/15) Mr. Bilda stated that he will strongly recommend a project manager for this. Mr. Bilda reported that the City is upgrading phone system (all areas) to a voice over internet system. Work in progress right now, the project is a little behind schedule. Mr. Bilda reported that he asked all fire departments to provide their budgets to his office and come in 10% less than current year.  Alderman Nash inquired about bands on fire hydrants, and if follow-up is happening when the bands are missing. It was noted that with the new iPads it is not an issue as the data can be looked up, but that you could still report missing bands to Norwich Public Utilities and they will put them back on. There was a discussion about the need for technology in the police cars. Alderman Braddock inquired if the Police Department has discussed purchasing for body cameras. It was reported that there has been conversations and the department will most likely request in their budget submittal. Cameras are inexpensive, but storage is the expensive component. Cloud storage vs local storage was discussed. Alderman Braddock inquired about a gym workout program for the emergency responders. This was discussed with the members. Alderman Nash, Braddock and Martin introduced themselves and their goals to the committee. VIII. Future Agenda Items  Air Pack Replacement Program - Standardize Systems  IPad Solution Update (Mr. Bilda asked the Mayor to put on the Council agenda as informational item in January.) IX. Adjournment Upon a motion by Alderman Braddock, seconded by Alderman Martin, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:00 pm. Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Kayser, Recording Secretary