Public Safety (Subcommittee of the City Council)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES Regular Meeting via ZOOM App Wednesday January 13, 2021 7:00 PM Committee Members Present: ​Alderman Mark Bettencourt, Alderman Joseph DeLucia and Alderman William Nash. Committee Members Absent:​ None. Administration and Staff Present: ​City Manager John Salomone, Mayor Peter Nystrom and Alderwoman Stacy Gould, ​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:​ Deputy Chief Corry Aanerud; ​Yantic​ Chief Frank Blarchard and ​Taftville:​ Chief Timothy Jencks. Citizens Present: ​Joanne Philbrick. I. Call to Order and Quorum: ​Alderman DeLucia called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. There was a quorum present. II. Adoption of Previous Meeting Minutes:​ Alderman Bettencourt made a motion to approve the December 9, 2020 meeting minutes. Alderman Nash seconded. All in favor. Motion passed unanimously. III. Citizen Comment: ​Joanne Philbrick of 10 Elm Avenue ​spoke about the COVID-19 information on the city's website. She also spoke about concerns for the mental health of public servants during the pandemic, and asked a question regarding mask wearing during City Council meetings. IV. Old Business: a. COVID-19 Resurgence Impacts: ​City Manager John Salomone reported he had statistics that did not bode well for the City for as of the past week the City ranked number 7 of municipalities in the state for cases with over 100 cases per 100,000 citizens, which was an immense increase from the City’s ranking in the range of the 30’s that past fall. City Manager Salomone stated that he was part of an involved phone conference the previous day and explained that eastern Connecticut counties such as New London and Windham were experiencing the highest case levels currently  and suggested the City’s insurgence may be due to its proximity to Rhode Island, which is in the top 5 ranking. City Manager Salomone reported that city hall was still open by appointment only to control the flow of traffic and that some employees had tested positive. City Manager Salomone stated he was on a conference call with the governor that night which positively reported that there is an effective vaccine available but unfortunately the supply coming to Connecticut was limited with 44,000 doses allocated per week. City Manager Salomone explained the new vaccination category 1B would include people over 75, people between 65 and 75, and people under 65 with conditions that warrant receiving the vaccination as well as additional essential workers. City Manager Salomone noted that approximately one million residents fall within the 1B category so if the vaccination supply remained at 44,000 cases per week it would take about twenty weeks just to get through the 1B category. City Manager Salomone continued in that case, being as there is still a 1C category to follow before category 2 which is the general public, it would be a long period of time before the City would have enough doses to stop the spread or increase so the current state of things would likely remain the same for another three or four months. City Manager Salomone stated the City was likely currently peaking due to the holiday period so there was a possibility of the number of cases stabilizing after the season. City Manager Salomone clarified that all medical first responders had been vaccinated with the first dose including most of the volunteer fire department personnel, Norwich Fire Department, Norwich Police Department responders and also all nursing homes. City Manager Salomone stated that things were changing on a daily basis but that City personnel were staying the course with departmental meetings, official committee and council meetings all being at a hybrid-remote status. V. New Business: a. Tractor-trailer traffic on Hunter’s Road: SEE ADDENDUM Alderman Joe DeLucia Alderman DeLucia presented information and discussed a safety concern regarding the intersection of Hunters' Road and Norwich Avenue, and tractor-trailer traffic on Hunters' Road. Several members posed questions and offered information on the subject. The Chief of Police will investigate possible solutions and report back to the committee. b. Department Updates: i. NPU Update: ​Eric McDermott reported that NPU was continuing to track COVID-19 that employees were continuing to work and  respond from home with impact on their emergency response capabilities. Eric McDermott reported that their PPE supply was sufficient and that no employees were in quarantine. Eric McDermott stated that both reservoirs were back up to full capacity and reminded the fire departments to please provide their monthly hydrant usage to Tom Cutler as NPU needed to report to the state to provide the City’s water usage. Eric McDermott stated there had been conversations as of late in regards to NPU’s odor of gas response and clarified that NPU was required to respond to any odor of gas calls they receive even if the fire department determines it is unnecessary per state policy. Eric McDermott relayed that intelligence agencies were reporting increased chatter regarding harm to state infrastructure and that the state Department of Health hada meeting that day requesting increased awareness patrols and for the public to report any suspicious activity. Eric McDermott stated that the state police were increasing patrols and that NPU monitored its critical infrastructure 24 hours a day by video. Alderman DeLucia stated he would like to see coordination between NPU, with what information they receive, with the police chief and other fire chiefs so he could know that the City’s first responders would not be drawn into an ambush situation due to a lack of coordination. Eric McDermott responded that the control room at NPU and police dispatch communicate many times throughout the day regarding various issues but he did want to make sure the committee and various chiefs were aware of the situation. Alderman Bettencourt added that anyone in law enforcement and security received similar bulletins on a regular basis and that all were on a heightened state of awareness. ii. American Ambulance: ​Robert Rautio reported 8,101 emergency calls for the year 2020 which was a 853 call decrease from 2018 but that staffing numbers had remained consistent as AA was committed to providing service the City is accustomed to. Robert Rautio reported 748 for the month of December 2020 which was an increase from 2019 and showed that trends were increasing. Robert Rautio stated they were utilizing staff to meet the demand in calls and that they were experiencing a significant COVID impact with three members out any given week due to exposure or quarantining. Robert Rautio reported that thankfully the majority of staff that had tested positive experienced mild cases and that they had not been able to trace any cases to a work related exposure. Robert Rautio stated AA was following all COVID guidelines and that fire departments were continuing to respond to  medical calls on a limited basis. Robert Rautio reported of their 132 clinical staff 87 percent had received the first vaccination through Hartford Hospital and they would receive the second dose on the 23rd. Robert Rautio stated only mild symptoms had been reported by some staff and they would continue to monitor them accordingly. iii. Police Department Update: Chief Patrick Daly reported their PPE supply was good and that it seemed as though a lot of the issues in the supply chain that occurred previously had been resolved. Chief Daly reported one new COVID case in the department that week which put them at five cases since the start of the pandemic with no members having long-term effects. Chief Daly stated approximately 70 percent of officers signed up for the vaccine and that he hoped more would sign up with the current spike in cases. Chief Daly reported two new hires but stated he was losing two officers in the upcoming weeks. Chief Daly stated call volume was back to a normal level which was not ideal due to the current pandemic state. Chief Daly stated NPD was working through certain aspects of the Police Accountability Bill as far as the recent national violence and that he did receive daily updates from the Joint Terrorism Task Force as well as live FBI and NYPD intelligence updates. iv. Emergency Management Update: ​Chief Tracy Montoya reported that on the 21st of December public works hosted a PPE distribution and it was reported by the Department of Health that 72 agencies received PPE with over 1 million pieces of PPE distributed. Chief Montoyta stated the DPH was very appreciative of the City’s assistance and the community support. Chief Montoya reported that on January 7th there was a statewide upgrade of 8-TAC radios from I-TAC, which were 17 years old. Chief Montoya stated the EOC was prepped and ready for two storm responses but did not need to be activated. Chief Montoya stated part of the preparation process included virtual meetings with NPU and other City leaders which worked well. v. Fire Department Updates: ● Norwich: Chief Tracy Montoya reported 181 incidents for the past month including 68 fire calls, 113 medical related calls and 32 overlapping calls with mutual provided twice and received once. Chief Montoya reported an average response time of 3 minutes 16 seconds. Chief Tracy Montoya reported his 2020 calls as 2,208 total with 785 being fire related, 1423 medical related, 36 calls where mutual aid was provided and 20 calls where mutual aid was received. Chief Montoya stated Squad A was a continued critical need but that Engine 3 had been out of service the past month for several weeks awaiting an alternator and was currently out of service for several weeks again waiting for a fuel tank. Chief Montoya stated while Engine 3 was out of service Squad A went out of service as well. Chief Montoya noted that there was not a spare engine available if one goes out of service. Chief Montoya reported that Truck 2 ladder was out of service for a hydraulic piston and that all City apparatus that required pump re-testing passed. Chief Montoya stated that an internal candidate applied for the still open Director of Safety and Training position and he was awaiting results from human resources to continuewith the process. Chief Montoya stated a conditional offer was made to two candidates with hopes of them starting the February fire academy and that in regards to COVID the department was 12 mild COVID cases to date with all but three having returned to work following quarantine. Chief Montoya stated there was a walkthrough scheduled for the ongoing window project with Mattern Construction that upcoming week and that he expected the windows to arrive at the end of the month. Chief Montoya stated they were continuing conducting company training with COVID safe precautions and that seven members completed EMT recertification. Chief Montoya reported that NFD was continuing with COVID precautions and that he was constantly involved in stated and regional calls in an effort to stay ahead of things. Chief Montoya stated the firehouse recently acquired temperature scanning stations from city hall which removed another touch point for members. Chief Montoya commented on NPU’s obligation to respond to gas odor calls and asked if any departments were not on the Connecticut Intelligence Distribution List to please contact him. Alderman DeLucia asked with the amount of exposure if any time was dedication to deep contamination in the firehouse. Chief Montoya responded that the firehouse and apparatus are sanitized constantly and that extra steps were taken on any calls with assumed COVID exposure. Chief Patrick Daly stated NPD has sanitation supplies throughout the building and that NPW provided them a fogger to sanitize vehicles on expected exposed calls. Chief Daly stated  they also requested that staff eat at their desks to limit contact and that he expected an order to go out the following day requesting an increase of internal controls. ● Taftville: ​Chief Timothy Jencks reported 759 calls for 2020 which was 50 less than 2019 and was likely due to the decrease of BLS calls because of COVID. Chief Jencks stated mutual aid was provided 88 times in 2020 with slightly over 20 percent of calls overlapping. Chief Jencks reported their PPE stock was good and that one member was out with another two finishing quarantine. Chief Jencks stated 18 members began the vaccination process through Hartford Healthcare and that the station was still closed. Chief Jencks stated no training was occurring and that Taftville was in the process of converting to online training for Fire and EMS which he hoped to have running in the next few days. Chief Jencks stated the station and equipment were cleaned after every expected case call. Chief Jencks reported the 99 Pierce passed pump testing and that the previous week Taftville and Yantic firehouses responded to a missing person water rescue call in Willimantic. ● Yantic: ​Chief Frank Blanchard reported their call volume was down and their membership was good with three people in quarantine currently. Chief Blanchard stated members were getting vaccinated and expected second rounds towards the end of the month. Chief Blanchard stated all apparatus were in service that Pump 33 passed its retesting. Chief Blanchard stated their needed station repairs and upgrades remained the same. Chief Blanchard stated Yantic had been doing specialized cleaning in regards to COVID since the past March and that there were specific members assigned to the daunting task which likely limited a lot of exposure. Alderman DeLiucia asked if Chief Blanchard had knowledge of the former Backus Hospital shuttle van located towards the edge of Yantic. Chief Blanchard responded that the department had possession of the vehicle to use as a training prop. ● Occum: ​Chief Carroll Spaulding reported Occum held their first in-person monthly meeting last night and had protocols in place for required masks and six feet social distancing. Chief Spaulding stated the meeting brought three new probationary members which brought membership to 40 personnel. Chief Spaulding reported 127 calls for 2020 which was down from 197  calls in 2019. Chief Spaulding stated that training was finishing up but members were waiting to schedule EMT and Fire 1 tests with the state which was being delayed due to COVID. Chief Spaulding stated the station was still closed to the public and that masks were required for all members. Chief Spaulding stated that members were getting vaccinated with some getting their second round in the following weeks. Chief Spaulding reported for events they had been hosting their Chicken BBQ Dinner for takeout only and following all Uncas Health District guidelines. Chief Spaulding stated decontamination had been occurring since the previous year and that Engine 41 was in need of replacement. ● East Great Plain​: Chief Keith Milton reported 59 calls for December which was lower than average and 9 calls where mutual aid was provided with 10 calls overlapping. Chief Milton stated total responses for 2020 were down with 810 calls for the year, 74 calls where mutual aid was provided, 5 calls where mutual aid was received and 103 overlapping calls. Chief Mitlon reported routine maintenance for the apparatus and that in the past month their Engine 52 Pump Truck passed pump retesting. Chief Milton stated they were continuing online training and discussed opening small in-person meeting groups. Chief Milton stated they were being vigilant on all calls due to the virus and they had been doing hard service, equipment and apparatus cleaning. Chief Milton reported that their PPE level was good. Chief Milton stated one member went into quantity that day due to a positive-testing family member and that approximately 33 members, a high 70 percent, had started the vaccine. ● Laurel Hill: ​Deputy Chief Corry Aanerud reported PPE supplies were good and that one member tested positive who then went into isolation and thankfully did not expose any other members due to their job role. Deputy Chief Aanerud stated 17 members participated in the vaccine so far and that they were at 100 calls so far for the year. Deputy Chief Aanerud stated Laurel Hill has gained 5 new members over the past 45 days and has one member entering the Fire 1 course with other members completing EMT renewals. Deputy Chief Aanerud reported the cascade system should be completed over the next couple of weeks and in regards to the retaining wall issue Chief Westervelt was currently working with the City Manager and City Engineer for a solution. Deputy Chief Aanerud stated Chief Westervelt  would keep the Committee updated with the resolution. b. City Manager Update - 2020 Fire Service Study Contract​: City Manager John Salomone reported that he received the draft the previous week and rotated it through the Finance Director and Human Resources Director to be proofread for contact accuracy of statistics and other items. City Manager Salomone stated the revised draft would be returned to the consultants later that week and that a council meeting presentation was tentatively scheduled for February 16th. City Manager Salomone stated the goal was to keep the agenda light in order to spend the majority of the meeting on the presentation and a question session for council. c. Public Safety items for future discussion: ​Chief Timothy Jencks stated he thought in the past the City plowed Beebe Road but that it had become private and was extremely overgrown which would make it difficult to maneuver an engine in the area. Chief Jencks stated Taftville had problems getting a rescue in and out of the area and wasn’t sure if the Committee could do anything to get the overgrowth cleared. Alderman Bill Nash stated he previously lived on the road, which was private, and it was not regularly paved or maintained at that time either. Alderman Nash stated he believed the road was claimed by foreclosure or bankruptcy and that one of the residents had contacted him regularly in the past regarding the road maintenance. Alderman DeLucia stated he would contact Norwich Public Works regarding the issue. Chief Timothy Jencks requested clarification on whether or not volunteer officers qualify for the City Employee Assistance Program as he had received mixed answers previously. City Manager John Salomone responded that after Alderman Nash had reached out regarding EAP prior to the past election he was told by the provider that they would charge a per unit cost per volunteer which was not reflective of the time spent with the EAP candidate so the plan was to utilize the program for volunteers on a case-by-case basis but that he could also provide something official in writing. Chief Tracy Montoya stated that the Norwich Fire Department, American Ambulance and Norwich Police Department all had peer counselors that may not be as qualified as the EAP personnel but they have gone through training. Robert Rautio described AA”s impromptu support group. Alderman DeLucia suggested creating a database where members can easily and somewhat anonymously access the various programs’ contact information. City Manager Salomone stated he would take a comprehensive approach on the project. VI. Next Meeting: ​February 10, 2021, via ZOOM App, unless otherwise notified. VII. Adjournment:​ Upon a motion by Alderman Bettencourt, seconded by Alderman Nash, the meeting was adjourned at 8:41 PM. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Katherine Rose ADDENDUM TO PS MEETING 01/13/21 Hunters’ Road Tractor-trailer concerns Issue: On 12/23/2020, a 55’ long tractor-trailer left the yard at Bob’s Stores warehouse in Taftville. The truck turned right onto Hunter’s Road from Norwich Avenue headed west. Due to normal traffic stopped at the light, the truck was unable to negotiate the turn without leaving the roadway and jumped the curb and the adjacent wall. This created an unnecessary tipping hazard and dangerous situation for multiple vehicles queued at the light. Business owners in the area report that this is a regular occurance. Photo array @ Norwich Avenue Rationale: 1. Tractor-trailers arrive in Norwich via Rt-2, Rt-395, and Rt-12. 2. Tractor-trailers are shipping goods to and from Bob’s Stores, Norwich Lumber, Quality Insulation, and other important businesses in the area. 3. All of these businesses are better-accessed using a combination of State and U.S. highways (i.e.: Rt-12, Rt-169, Rt-97, and Rt-395) 4. A local road like Hunter’s Road was not designed or intended to support tractor-trailer traffic. Should tractor-trailers be prohibited from using Hunters’ Road from Harland Road to Norwich Avenue?