Public Safety (Subcommittee of the City Council)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, December 14, 2016 Taftville Fire Department 7:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Alderman William Nash and Alderman Gerald Martin. Committee Members Absent: Alderman H. Tucker Braddock. Administration and Staff Present: Chris LaRose, Norwich Public Utilities; Chief Ken Scandariato, Norwich Fire Department; Captain Christopher Ferace, Norwich Police Department; and Alderwoman Joanne Philbrick. Volunteer/Central Fire Departments and Others: Yantic Chief Frank Blanchard, Ken Leo, and Ron Stolz; Norwich Chief Kenneth Scandariato, Scott Merchant, and Michael Dziavit; Taftville Chief Timothy Jencks, Assistant Chief William Hadam, Deputy Chief Tom Jencks, Scott Boenig, Eric Benoit, and Daniel Auger; Citizens Present: Greg Schlough. I. Call to Order and Quorum: Alderman Nash called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. There was a quorum present. II. Approval of Minutes: Minutes of October 12, 2016 and November 9, 2016 Alderman Martin motioned, seconded by Alderman Nash, to approve the October 12, 2016 and November 9, 2016 meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously. III. Correspondence: None. IV. Citizen Comment: Ken Leo asked NPU if there are any lead pipes currently in use in the town’s water system, and if the water system is tested for lead. He mentioned specific concern regarding both in the schools of Norwich. Chris LaRose, Norwich Public Utilities, responded that there are no known lead pipes currently in use in the water system. All known lead pipes were removed from the distribution system to the curb. Lead pipes may exist from the curb to and/or inside privately owned homes. Lead levels are tested as part of the regularly required testing performed every three years per EPA and Department of Health regulations. Water quality in the schools is checked regularly but not specifically for lead. V. Old Business: Chief Jenks reported the radio issues continue without improvement, same as last month. He still plans to hold a meeting regarding the radio situation after the first of the year but does not have a concrete date yet. VI. New Business: a) Norwich Public Utilities Update: Chris LaRose reported water supply has leveled out for the time being. NPU anticipates a decent frost the next few days then the upcoming precipitation will increase the available supply. He also asks that all hydrant usage be immediately reported to NPU so they can properly drain the hydrants afterward to keep them from freezing over the winter. b) Fire House Status Updates: Yantic: Chief Blanchard reported membership is up one from last month. He said they are experiencing all the same issues mentioned last month, and have had only routine apparatus breakdowns and maintenance repairs. East Great Plains: Chief Milton reported status quo. Station had approximately 70 calls last month and apparatus needed routine maintenance only. Taftville: Chief Jencks reported 61 calls for last month, many of them unique including a gas leak, trauma alert requiring the use of ropes, and assisting the US Coast Guard. He is processing four new member applications. He thanked Alderman Martin for meeting with him on Wednesday. He mentioned Wreaths Across America will be this weekend, they participated in a mutual aid drill last Sunday, and they are continuing will weekly mill walk-throughs. Laurel Hill: Chief Westervelt reported they participated in collecting more than 1700 toys for the Tommy Toy Fund last Saturday at Walmart. He reported the struggle with truck 61 continues, it has been to East Hartford for repairs, and was out of service for the last month. They have acquired two new members and have one more application currently pending Office of Emergency Management: None. Norwich Police Department: Captain Christopher Ferace reported the department recently had a personnel change due to an unexpected retirement. They also participated in the toy drive at Walmart last weekend and is assisting with the toy distribution today and tomorrow. He said the new console installations are complete with just a few bugs to work out and tweaks to be made. The fleet is okay for now, many cruisers have exceeded mileage. Norwich: Chief Scandariato thanked all the chiefs who conducted interviews to fill the vacant position. The new hire is scheduled to attend fire academy in February 2017. He also mentioned the KnoxBox system will no longer be supported going further and he is looking into other options. Chief Scandariato was informed today the Sub Base is currently unable to respond to hazardous calls. He is pleased with all members of the various fire departments, and made note of all having a positive attitude. He is aware of several trucks currently experiencing issues. The department has once again participated in a Secret Santa campaign this year, collecting a $20 donation from each member which will go to a local family in need. He and dispatcher Jerry Roberts recently reviewed dispatch and made note of an A1 control which was not working due to a programming issue and is now being addressed. Chief Scandariato continues to work with Public Works to correct the problems  at the fire house. They will be exceeding budget and are in communication with the City Manager in that regard. Some of the items which are costing more than planned will end up saving them money in the long run through expense savings such as utilities. Wishes all a very safe holiday and happy new year. Occum: None. VII. Other: Alderman Martin met with all of the chiefs over the last month to crunch the surveys. He will be holding meetings the first Wednesday of each month, beginning January 4, 2017, at Occum Fire Department and will send out reminder emails as the date approaches. He thanked everyone for their hard work completing the surveys. He said many of the suggestions which did not make it to the top three are still very good suggestions and they will try to implement them if possible. Greg Schlough was called upon by Alderman Nash to give a convention update. Greg displayed the new anniversary t-shirts which are available after the meeting for $20 each. The convention t-shirts are expected to arrive at the end of January or beginning of February. There is a meeting at Taftville tomorrow, December 15, 2016 promptly at 7pm and is open to all interested in the convention. Greg anticipates the convention tickets will be available at the beginning of January but he does not know what the ticket cost will be yet. Greg thanked member Adam Miclette for his successful effort in securing a $10,000 donation to pay the cost of the Tunnels to Towers 9/11 memorial trailer which will be here the weekend of March 16-17, 2017. It will be set up at either Wequonnoc School or Sacred Heart School. All chiefs will receive a convention packet during the first week of January. Greg also confirmed the convention committee is still seeking donations for the event. Chief Scandariato requested that any other organization needing assistance please contact him. He would be happy to help anyone in need. VIII. Future Agenda Items: None. IX. Adjournment: Upon a motion by Alderman Nash, seconded by Alderman Martin, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:24 PM. Respectfully submitted, Tia Marie Michaud Recording Secretary