Public Safety (Subcommittee of the City Council)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, March 9, 2016 Emergency Management (NPU) 7:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Alderman William Nash, Alderman H. Tucker Braddock, Alderman Gerald Martin Administration and Staff Present: Chief Tim Jencks, Taftville Fire Department; Chief Pat Daley, East Great Plains Fire Department/Norwich Police Department; Chief Scandariato, Norwich Fire Department; Chief Bob LaChapelle, Occum Fire Department; Gene Arters, Norwich OEM Volunteer/Central Fire Departments and Others: Chris LaRose, Norwich Public Utilities; Damian Rickard, American Ambulance; Ray O’Connell, Yantic Fire Department; Aaron Westervelt, Laurel Hill Fire Department; Chris Colonair, Yantic Fire Department; Ken Leo, Yantic Fire Department; Kyle Seitz, Norwich Fire Department; Scott Merchant, Norwich Fire Department; Paul O’Connell, Yantic Fire Department; Brian Kobylarz, Resident I. Call to Order – Quorum Alderman Nash called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. There was a quorum present. II. Approval of Minutes - Minutes of February 10, 2016 Alderman Nash motioned, seconded by Alderman Braddock, to approve the February 10, 2016 minutes. The minutes were unanimously approved. III. Correspondence – None. IV. Citizen Comment – Brian Kobylarz of 16 Hobart Avenue reported his safety concerns surrounding the boat launch and pedestrians. He noted that pedestrian (children) safety should be taken into account and discussed his thoughts on how to improve the area. Alderman Martin responded to his concerns and noted that the yellow striping area for cars could be re-painted, but that he would present this to the Harbor Management Commission to address the issue. (Citizen comments closed at 7:15 p.m.) V. Old Business a) Fire House Reporting System Chief Scandariato discussed moving away from the firehouse reporting system being used due to the lack of customer service support and that the system still has not been launched. He discussed a new service provider that is less expensive (by approximately $3,000). He noted that 4 of the 5 volunteer departments are on-board with this switch. Alderman Braddock questioned the funding and Chief Scandariato stated that all money was held from the initial vendor since they never received what was contracted. Alderman Nash stated that all departments must be on-board with any systems being proposed. He added that the departments must be on the same page with the same equipment. He directed the department Chiefs to meet with the City Manager to figure this out and decide what is the best program to move forward with. He stressed that it must be the same  program used by all departments. Alderman Martin added that the departments must learn to work together and be on the same page. Alderman Nash will contact the City Manager to inform him that it is the Committee’s desire to have you all work this issue out with him and that there only be one system used by all departments. VI. New Business a) NPU Update Mr. LaRose reported that all fire department training has been scheduled for the year. He encouraged feedback from all departments. b) Yantic Fire Department and East Great Plain Fire Department Presentation (Apparatus Overview) The Yantic presentation was postponed until the next meeting. Chief Daley presented an apparatus overview for East Great Plains. The summary is that they are recommending immediate replacement of Engine Tanker 51, Engine 52 should be replaced in 2-3 years, Ladder 5 doesn’t need replacement for approximately 7 years, and Rescue 5 should remain in service until 2030. Alderman Martin inquired about looking into refurbished trucks. This was discussed with Chief Daley. Chief Westervelt presented an apparatus overview for Laurel Hill. He reported that Engine 61 is currently out of service due to pump problems (vehicle is 33 years old). He is requesting the replacement of this vehicle as an immediate need. Alderman Nash discussed the list her received from the Town Garage with the committee. Chief Jenks presented an apparatus overview for Taftville. He is proposing two different options: Option A: $850,000 to replace the 1982 Heavy Rescue, 1986 Pierce Pumper and the 2000 Chevy Squad. Purchase a new rescue pumper and a large squad unit. This would allow the existing equipment to be consolidated between the two purchased vehicles and eliminate the heavy rescue. Option B: $275,000 to replace the 1982 Heavy Rescue and the 2000 Chevy Squad. Purchase a smaller lighter duty rescue. This would allow the existing equipment to be consolidated and eliminate the heavy rescue. Chief Jenks noted that he feels Option B is the better option. Chief Scandariato presented an apparatus overview for Norwich FD. He reported that there are major issues with Marine 1. He reported that Squad A is 15 years old, but could be used for another 10-12 years if put in reserve. He added that he is pursuing grant funding. Alderman Nash stated that all of the equipment requested tonight adds up to 2.9 million dollars (high end) and 2.2 million dollars (low end) and that doesn’t include Yantic’s requests. He stated that there is no way that this can be supported by the town. He stated that he feels that the fleet will be downsizing, but not sure about replacement and that some of the houses will  need to work together in the future. He added that he cannot go to the Council with these requests. He stated that the garage list he received shows that there are 4 trucks that are shown as needing replacement or being taken offline. He stated he will speak with John Raymond about the list as well as the department chiefs to get a recommendation for the Council. Alderman Nash stated that he will be in contact with the department Chiefs to discuss. c) Fire House Status Updates See department apparatus updates as listed in VI.b. above. VII. Other VIII. Future Agenda Items IX. Adjournment Upon a motion by Alderman Nash, seconded by Alderman Braddock, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:25 pm. Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Kayser, Recording Secretary