Public Safety (Subcommittee of the City Council)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES Regular Meeting via ZOOM App Wednesday December 9, 2020 7:00 PM Committee Members Present: Alderman Joseph DeLucia and Alderman William Nash. Committee Members Absent: Alderman Mark Bettencourt. Administration and Staff Present: City Manager John Salomone and Mayor Peter Nystrom, City of Norwich; Eric McDermott, Norwich Public Utilities; Robert Rautio, American Ambulance; and Chief Patrick Daly, Norwich Police Department. Volunteer/Central Fire Departments and Others: Norwich: Chief Tracy Montoya; East Great Plain: Chief Keith Milton; Laurel Hill: Chief Aaron Westervelt; and Taftville: Chief Timothy Jencks. Citizens Present: None. I. Call to Order and Quorum: Alderman DeLucia called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. There was a quorum present. II. Adoption of Previous Meeting Minutes: Alderman Nash made a motion to approve the November 12, 2020 meeting minutes. Alderman DeLucia seconded. All in favor. Motion passed unanimously. III. Citizen Comment: None. IV. Old Business: a. COVID-19 Resurgence Impacts: Alderman DeLucia stated he would like updates to focus on what is happening in the region, the impact and also how the departments anticipate the vaccine will affect them and how it will be managed. Chief Timothy Jencks stated he followed all state paperwork in regards to the vaccination and that Taftville has another PPE pickup scheduled for the following week. Chief Patrick Daly stated he had some concerns regarding side effects of the vaccine as if the police chose to vaccinate the entire force there may not be enough available personnel if there are significant reactions. Chief Daly stated Patrick McCormick at Uncas Health District had smoothed over many of his concerns and relayed that the police likely would not receive an immediate influx of vaccinations as healthcare workers are first priority. Chief Daly stated the vaccinations would be dispersed in three to four waves and with NPD being in the second wave, they would likely not see vaccinations until January. Chief Daly stated in response to the recent COVID spike the police department is operating as if all are COVID positive and so far they have not seen any positive cases that month. Chief Daly stated some officers were in contact with prisoners who tested positive but that the virus had not transferred. Chief Tracy Montoya asked Chief Jenks if he registered his department for the COVID vaccine through the state or Uncas Health District. Chief Jencks responded he had received an email from the OEMF health care personnel which was sent directly by the stated. Chief Montoya relayed that Patrick McCormick at Uncas Health District requested that departments registered through him as a coordinating point. Chief Montoya reported that Norwich Fire Department had five positive cases in the station but all aside from one had returned to work with no long term effects, as of yet. Chief Montoya stated NFD would be picking up additional PPE on the 17th from the DEHMAS and Public Works distribution. Chief Keith Milton stated he had just spoken with Patrick McCormick and was working with Uncas Health District for vaccinations for East Great Plain. Chief Milton reported one member was in isolation due to suspected contact and the other, who had just returned from five days in intensive care due to COVID, was at home recuperating. Chief Milton stated their PPE supply was steady. Robert Rautio of American Ambulance reported his team was working to navigate the vaccine puzzle as medical responders are the first priority but there has been confusion if fire department personnel are included in the 1A distribution wave or if they would be in 1B. Robert Rautio stated he had been in constant contact with Patrick McCormick who was also assisting in determining if medical responders would receive vaccines from the hospitals or health departments. Robert Rautio agreed that entire department personnel could not be out because of vaccine reactions so different distribution methods were being examined. Robert Rautio reported that American Ambulance instated eye protection and face mask requirements for all patient contact. Robert Rautio stated their PPE stock was sufficient and noted that supply chains were reopening. Robert Rautio stated no members were currently positive however several were in the process of being tested as anyone with symptoms is removed from service immediately. Eric McDermott reported that Norwich Public Utilities was continuing to work and respond from home, which had no effect on emergency services. Eric McDermott stated two employees were currently quarantined, although they did not positive they were taking a conservative approach. Eric McDermott reported their PPE levels were sufficient and that he had also been working with Patrick McCormick  regarding the vaccine as utility workers were deemed critical so while some would not receive vaccinations until phase 2, other employees may receive them in 1B. City Manager John Salomone stated the City had seen an uptick in cases and if the increase reached above 50 cases per 100,000 people he would revert City employees back to remote work sites, which they would discuss at a staff meeting that Friday. City Manager Salomone stated two employees were currently being tested as they had shown symptoms. City Manager Salomone stated Public Works would likely be put on split shift to limit cross contact as the City could not afford to lose any personnel with the approaching snow season. City Manager Salomone reported that City Hall had remained open by appointment only and that they were considering implementing temperature checks upon entry. Alderman DeLucia asked if the split shift would entail the entire staff to be within cohorts. City Manager Salomone stated that was correct, there would be two cohorts to work to isolate. Alderman DeLucia questioned if a storm did arrive would all employees be put to work or would they try to maintain the cohort situation. Chief Aaron Westervelt reported that Laurel Hill was at full workforce with no members isolating or awaiting test results and that their PPE levels were good. V. New Business: a. Department Updates: i. NPU Update: Eric McDermott reported NPU is primarily working from home with the crews on isolated, staggered shifts which had been successful even during storm times. Eric McDermott stated the recent rainfall put the reservoir capacity is up to 90 percent which was higher than the 5 year average and took the City out of the drought zone. Eric McDermott thanked the chiefs for their feedback regarding the annual electric and gas safety training as NPU was unable to hold the training in 2020 due to COVID. Eric McDermott stated based on their feedback NPU is looking to start training in March 2021 and they are looking into the viability of providing a video presentation of the safety training. ii. American Ambulance: Robert Rautio reported 706 emergency responses in Norwich for the month of October with 225 being ALS and 481 being BLS. Robert Rautio stated the most frequent BLS category of response was for a sick person and the most prevalent ALS was difficult breathing, which either likely may be due to COVID. Robert Rautio reported 775 emergency medical calls for the month of November with 242 being ALS and 513 being BLS. Robert Rautio reported the same trends as October for the ALS and BLS  calls. Robert Rautio stated he met with consultants for the fire study per Chief Montoya’s requests and provided data for their reports. Robert Rautio stated he had several conversations with Chief Milton and Chief Montoya regarding fire department response to calls during the pandemic, as discussed last month, and came to reasonable agreement so he was hopeful to see the issue resolved in future. iii. Police Department Update: Chief Patrick Daly reported that Norwich Police Department had been continuing various community efforts including working with members of a small committee that developed from conversations at Foundry 66 and stated he was excited for the future. Chief Daly reported a higher than average steady increase of violence calls and was unsure if the spike was due to COVID or the time of the year but was monitoring the situation. Chief Daly stated Andre Rosedale retired at the end of November and that hiring efforts would continue. Chief Daly stated four officers were in the police academy and another four were on FTO. Alderman DeLucia asked if Chief Daly had been made aware of changes to the painted road lines in Greenville. Chief Daly responded he believed the work was being done to improve the turning radius of the road and while the City may be losing a few parking spots the loss was outweighed by the safety needs. Alderman DeLucia asked as the painting was done and the community adjusted to the change that the police could try to inform opposed to enforce unless there was a true hazard at hand. Chief Daly stated that was typically the process when a new change occurred and that they only had out enforcements when there are impending storms and difficulties for plows. iv. Emergency Management Update: Chief Tracy Montoya noted that in regards to the December 8th PPE distribution at the City garage, not much information had been distributed on the quantity being received or who was warranted to pick up but would notify the departments as soon as he was aware. Chief Montoya reported he received a call the past week from a citizen in need of sandbags for a flooded basement and that EM worked with Taftville to deliver the bags. Chief Montoya stated was following up with Public Works to determine if there are any drainage issues on the road. Chief Montoya reported EM hosted a battery giveaway on Daylight Savings and did not receive a huge turnout so they would be holding an ongoing program where citizens could sign up to receive free batteries. v. Fire Department Updates: ● Norwich: Chief Tracy Montoya reported 181 total calls for the month of October with 61 fire related, 120 EMS related and 27 being simultaneous with mutual aid provided four times. Chief Montoya reported 137 calls for the month of November with 54 fire calls, 83 EMS and 17 overlapping. Chief Montoya stated mutual aid was given and received one time each and their average response time was 3 minutes 7 seconds. Chief Montoya reported that the fire study consultants had met with the fire chiefs as well as American Ambulance. Chief Montoya stated he had follow-up visits with Chief Sterland and Chief Reid and had provided numerous post site visits to McGrath. Chief Montoya reported Norwich’s critical needs include the replacement Squad A and noted that Engine 3 was put out of service again due to a fuel tank leak and was currently at the City garage. Chief Montoya stated Engine 2 was in service but that there was not a backup engine available if one is out of service. Chief Montoya added that Truck 2 was out of service and being worked on at the City garage. Chief Montoya stated several trucks were scheduled for pump retesting on the 10th. Chief Montoya stated a job listing for the Director of Training and Safety had been posted that day and would remain open until the 23rd. Chief Montoya reported there was currently one firefighter vacancy and that there had been five positive COVID cases to date with all but one member having returned to work with no issues. Chief Montoya stated Norwich would review its COVID policies in-house that week and may update some procedures other otherwise per Patrick McCormick they were doing good. Chief Montoya stated both stations were still closed to the public. Alderman DeLucia asked how the window replacement project was going. Chief Montoya responded that the window order went out with a 50 percent deposit about a week prior and that they expect an 8-10 week turnaround for delivery. Chief Montoya stated company training had continued with COVID safe practices and that Norwich hosted the quarterly CERRIT training. ● Taftville: Chief Timothy Jencks reported 126 calls for the past two months and out of those mutual aid was provided nine times and received three times, with 12 percent of calls overlapping. Chief Jencks stated the station remained closed in response to COVID and that they have signed a contract for  online training for their members. Chief Jencks stated typically during this time of the year Taftville is heavily involved with community events however COVID has impacted that. Chief Jencks stated he had been working with NPU on moving the pole in the old basketball court near their washer and dryer. Chief Jencks reported that the Pierce 92 had been back and forth to the City garage for various issues and was returning for pump testing the next day. Chief Jencks stated Taftville responded to the Coast Guard twice in the past month for water related issues. Chief Jencks stated he had several meetings with McGrath and looked forward to the final fire study project. ● Yantic: Chief Frank Blanchard was not in attendance but submitted a digital report stating: - Responses: The department responded to a total of 49 incidents over the past month. - McGrath visit: met with PSAP consultant, Had two more meetings online with them, provided additional info as requested. - Critical Needs: HVAC main floor of the station, Annex Building expansion, Replacement of Rescue 3, Sq36, relocation of underground oil tank. - Members: 58 on the roster- To date there have been 2 positive COVID cases, all have returned to duty with no issues. - Facilities: Station is still closed to the public. FMO project is complete, moving forward with the gear extractor & dryer purchase now that the station space is available after FMO construction is complete. - Training: Department training continues. Online is the best option right now for us. - COVID-19: We continue taking extra precautions around stations and during incidents due to COVID. We constantly review our operations and the measures we take to protect personnel. - Apparatus- All is in service, Routine maintenance has been done by Fleet- Pump testing will take place tomorrow. - The Old 1979 Engine 31 Mack pumper was returned to Fleet for auction now that the bridge project in the village is complete. ● Occum: None. ● East Great Plain: Chief Keith Milton reported 58 emergency incidents for the month of November with mutual aid provided  six times and received once. Chief Milton reported that members were continuing with online training to maintain skills. Chief Milton reported routine maintenance for their apparatus and that EGP completed its yearly hose testing for NFPA. Chief Milton stated that members were using caution, wearing masks on all calls and sanitizing per COVID requirements. Chief Milton stated their PPE levels were good and that he also finished providing information to McGrath Consulting for the fire study. Alderman DeLucia asked how East Great Plain’s Christmas tree sale was going. Chief Milton stated as of the previous day there were only 38 trees left and that they hoped to sell out by the weekend. ● Laurel Hill: Chief Aaron Westervelt reported just under 100 calls for the year and that Laurel Hill has continued with remote training and monthly meetings. Chief Westervelt reported 5 new members had joined in the past two months and were in the process of getting gear. Chief Westervelt stated the new cascade system arrived the previous day and in the process of getting that situated a retaining wall was discovered that was once connected to the station but is currently failing. Chief Westervelt stated the City engineer came out the previous day to get pictures of the wall and that a contractor would be out next to determine what would need to happen for the wall to be fixed as its moving and letting excessive water enter the station’s basement. Alderman DeLucia asked for clarification of the location of the retaining wall to which Chief Westervelt responded it was located opposite the staircase on the Old Laurel Hill Avenue side of the firehouse, facing the apparatus bays. Chief Westervelt stated in the past few days alone the wall had moved about four inches. Alderman DeLucia stated he was glad the Chief included the engineer early on as the departments shouldn't wait for Public Safety Committee meetings to address pressing problems like structural issues. Chief Westervelt stated his next meeting would be with the city manager and they would be addressing the issue prior to next month's meeting. b. City Manager Update - 2020 Fire Service Study Contract: City Manager John Salomone reported he had a teleconference with the principal consultant a week and a half prior and that the consultant was in the process of writing the report to meet the December 31st deadline. City Manager Salomone stated the project was on target and the consultants  had completed meetings with all chiefs where they got feedback directly from them. City Manager Salomone stated the report participants had received the date needed to work on the six questions that will be put to the consultants in the resolution so he was confident that the Committee would have an extensive and comprehensive report within three weeks. Alderman Nash stated he felt the final report would require its own City Council meeting opposed to an informational session and he would like to include the chiefs who may need questions answered. Alderman DeLucia agreed that the report should be the only item on the meeting’s agenda to provide ample discussion time and noted the meeting may not be able to occur as soon as January as the Council would need time to review it. Mayor Peter Nystrom agreed that the report should constitute its own City Council meeting and that all members should be allowed access. c. Public Safety items for future discussion: Chief Timothy Jencks asked what the decision was regarding the Volunteer Firefighter Abatement Fund as it was not able to be discussed at the previous meeting. Alderman DeLucia responded the item was pushed to the February 2021 City Council Meeting so it may end back up on the Public Safety Committee’s agenda. Alderman Nash asked if any departments had seen an increase in suicide rates and if it was an issue the Committee needed to address. Chief Patrick Daly responded that there was an uptick in reported suicides during the summer but the current pandemic situation was something to be cognizant of. Robert Rautio agreed with Chief Daly in that Norwich has a robust human and social services network available. Alderman Nash suggested adding some type of hotline to the City website to which City Manager John Salomone agreed and stated he would reach out to LeAnn Gomes at Human Services in regards to increasing visibility of crisis services. Chief Tracy Montoya stated the issue is important on both the civilian and first responder side as first responders are impacted as much, if not more, than others so awareness would be important both internally and externally. Robert Rautio noted there was an existing national crisis line where counselors could be reached by texting HOME to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org. VI. Next Meeting: January 13, 2021, via ZOOM App, unless otherwise notified. VII. Adjournment: Upon a motion by Alderman Nash, seconded by Alderman Bettencourt, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Katherine Rose