MINUTES
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
MARCH 14, 2001
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Public Hearing.
The Public Hearing of the Public Safety Committee was called to order by Chairman Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., at 5:48 p.m. with the following members, staff, public officials and guests:
Members Present: Matthew Dominello, Sr., Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chair; Joseph Feest.
Members Absent: Michael Rohde; Joseph Galotti.
Public Officials:
City Staff: Kevin Munson, Ass’t. Director of Traffic Operations; Captain Dave Ceneviva; Grace Suzio, Council Committee Clerk; Dawn Jakiela, City Engineer.
Chairman Dominello read the Legal Notice that was published in the Record Journal on March 9, 2001 and which designated this to be a Public Hearing for the following item:
Item #3 of 2/5/01: Res. re: Amendment to City Code that states if the City has to clean sidewalk, the owner of said property will be charged by putting a lien on the property.
Chairman Dominello asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to speak regarding this item. Edward Kania of 627 Bee Street didn’t object to this resolution, but suggested that the time limit of clearing the sidewalks, 24 hours, be change to 48 hours during a major storm. He also had concerns regarding the speed at which the drivers plow because they are throwing snow onto the sidewalks and driveways making it harder for citizens to shovel. Munson stated that the drivers shouldn’t be going faster than what the posted speed limit is or based on the weather condition. Dominello stated that if Mr. Kania has problem in the future, he should call the City Manager and he will address it.
Dominello asked if there was anyone else who wished to speak regarding this issue. Hearing none at 5:55 p.m., the Chair closed the public hearing session and moved into the regular meeting.
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NEW BUSINESS.
ITEM #2 OF 2/20/01: RES. RE: POLICE DEPARTMENT BE AUTHORIZED TO PURCHASE TEN CAMERAS FOR THE CRUISERS FOR A TOTAL COST NOT TO EXCEED $40,000.
Captain Lewandowski stated that he needed more time to work on the figures.
The Chair entertained a motion to table.
A MOTION TO TABLE WAS MADE BY GORDON, SECONDED BY FEEST, APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. AYE: FEEST, GORDON, DOMINELLO. ABSENT: ROHDE, GALOTTI.
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TABLED ITEMS.
The Chair entertained a motion to take tabled item #1 off the table. A motion to approve was made by Gordon, seconded by Feest, approved unanimously.
ITEM #13 OF 12/18/00: RES.R E: LETTER TO CITY COUNCIL FROM ROBERT AMANTEA OF DESIGN DEVELOPMENT GROUP RE: JOHN PRETIS & CO., 35 PRATT STREET.
Jakiela stated that she had sent letters to abutting property owners to notifying them of this request to change Benjamin Street from one-way traffic to two-way traffic. She stated that this change might impact some off-street parking in the area.
Bob Amantea gave a presentation regarding this item. Amantea stated that the reason they are requesting two-way traffic is that Prentis Printing has delivery trucks that presently come in to their parking lot from Pratt Street and exit out through a driveway adjacent to the building. It is very dangerous because there is no visibility to traffic or pedestrians walking in front of the building. Sight distance from Benjamin to Catlin is okay along the west side but a hedgerow must be cut back and visibility looking south is okay. What they are proposing is closing off the driveway along the side of the building so you won’t be able to exit or enter from Pratt Street. Traffic would enter from Benjamin Street into the parking lot then lope around and then exit back on Benjamin Street.
Presently there is parking on the south side of Benjamin and no parking on the north side. Benjamin is 28’ wide and then narrows down to 24’ near the intersection of Catlin Street. Amantea stated that this change would require no parking on both sides of the street. There are four houses on the north side of the street that have off street parking, so this wouldn’t impact them. On the south side of the street there are two houses. The first house would not be impacted because they have off street parking, but the second house would be, they do not have room for off street parking. On Pratt Street, at the intersection of Pratt & Benjamin, about 45’ would have to be posted as no parking.
Bruce Burchsted, owner of the Prentis Co., spoke in support of this item. He stated that when the driveway was originally designed, the Planning Commission required that there be mirrors on the buildings so that you could see the traffic. Now with one of the buildings removed, there is no visibility. For a safety point of view changes need to be made.
Gordon asked Jakiela if she had heard anything from the neighbors regarding this issue. She stated no. Gordon requested that a Community Police Officer personally ask the residents how they feel about having the street change to two-way traffic and also check with Chief Dunn to see if he has any concerns. He also requested that Jakiel’s report back with her recommendations and cost report.
Dominello asked Jakiela what would be the best solution to this problem. Jakiela stated that she felt it was feasible to create the two-way traffic but understanding that there are certain limitations as to what type of vehicles will be able to use the road and that parking would be impacted. Jakiela asked Amantea that if a car were going in a westerly direction, at the bend, would a truck be forced to go into the opposing lane to get around that bend. Amantea stated yes it would to an extent, but the visibility is good.
Mr. Burchsted asked if Benjamin Street could be two-way traffic from Pratt Street down to where the bend is and remain one-way traffic from the bend to Catlin St. He stated that there are other streets in the City that are this way but didn’t know if they posed a problem. Dominello asked that Jakiela report back with her recommendations on this and that Ceneviva investigate the accident history of those streets, (Springdale, Church & Wilson, etc.).
The Chair entertained a motion to table.
A MOTION TO TABLE WAS MADE BY GORDON, SECONDED BY FEEST. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. AYE: GORDON, FEEST, DOMINELLO. ABSENT: ROHDE, GALOTTI.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES: FEBRUARY 13, 2001.
The Chair entertained a motion to approve.
A MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY GORDON, SECONDED BY FEEST. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. AYE: GORDON, FEEST, DOMINELLO. ABSENT: ROHDE, GALOTTI.
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New Business.
ITEM #1 OF 2/20/01: RES. RE: CITY POLICY THAT ALL OFFICERS BE REQUIRED TO WEAR BULLETPROOF VESTS WHILE ON DUTY.
Chairman Dominello asked if this is something that the Council can mandate or does it need to be negotiated in the contract. Ceneviva stated that he believed that it would have to be negotiated in the contract because it would be a change of working conditions. Currently the policy states that they carry the vests with them at all times so that if an incident arises, they can put it on. Some officers don’t like to wear them all the time because they feel the vests are too hot, heavy or confining.
Gordon felt that it is a piece of their uniform that should be worn at all time. Dominello directed the Clerk to check with the Personnel Director regarding this issue.
The Chair entertained a motion to table.
A MOTION TO TABLE WAS MADE BY GORDON, SECONDED BY FEEST. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. AYE: GORDON, FEEST, DOMINELLO. ABSENT: ROHDE, GALOTTI.
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Gordon requested the status of all officers, not undercover officers, as to whether they have shaved their beards so they can use the gas masks when needed.
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ITEM #19B OF 2/20/01: RES.R E: RECOMMITTED PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT RECOMMENDING DENIAL OF A RESOLUTION CONCERNING 4-WAY STOP SIGN TO BE INSTALLED AT INTERSECTION OF HILLCREST TERRACE AND MARSHALL ROAD.
Ceneviva stated that he had spoken with Dawn and the funding has been approved to
install sidewalks before the next school year at Hillcrest. Right now they will use two
crossing guards and when the sidewalks are completed, they will eliminate the guards.
The Chair entertained a motion to deny based upon failure to meet any warrants for stop
signs, but approves the installation of sidewalks before the 2001/2002 school year.
A MOTION TO DENY WAS MADE BY GORDON, SECONDED BY FEEST. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. AYE: GORDON, FEEST, DOMINELLO. ABSENT: ROHDE, GALOTTI.
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Tabled Items.
The Chair entertained a motion to take table item #2 off the table. A motion to approve was made by Gordon, seconded by Feest, approved unanimously.
ITEM #MNO27 OF 1/16/01: RES.R E: UPGRADE OF POLICE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR AN AMOUNT OF $595,000 AND FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE TO DETERMINE WHERE THE FUNDS WILL COME FROM.
John Zaleski stated that the previous proposal submitted was to upgrade the present analog radio system and the Committee requested a quote on a digital system. This is what is being presented tonight. He stated that the immediate need is to provide the best system for a less dollar amount. The cost is approximately $1.2 million dollars. Zaleski stated that if it would slow down the process to change the system, or extend the process for a year, then it probably makes no sense to go to digital because the officers need the improvement now. The fixed end equipment on the digital radio system is less expensive than the front-end equipment on an analog system, roughly $50,000 less. On the analog radio system upgrade the cost of the telephone lines would be about $1,800 per month. On the
digital side the cost of the telephone lines would be approximately $300 per month. Over a year period it would represent $18,000 savings by going to the digital system now. Over a ten-year period you would save $180,000 just on the telephone line cost.
Dominello stated that this $1.2 million quote is not binding because it’s budgetary. Zaleski stated that he figured in about 40 hours of engineering time. On the subscriber units every single cruiser has to be visited and every piece of equipment has to be logged and checked to see what can be reused and what can’t. That part of the engineering has not been done yet, it will be done at a future date when the project moves forward.
Gordon asked what would it cost for the three-year plan (interest). Approximately $114,000. Gordon asked that they look at the option of using a mobile repeater system for the time being. Zaleski stated that the option is available but he personally thinks that it wouldn’t add much support in between because incidents happen to fast. The repeater system would cost about $4,000 and the portable (not on 800) would be another $1,000. So, your looking at approximately $5,000 and licensing takes about 3 to 4 months. Gordon requested information from the towns, the ones using the digital system, as to whether they like it, pros and cons.
The Chair entertained a motion to table.
A MOTION TO TABLE WAS MADE BY FEEST, SECONDED BY GORDON. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. AYE: GORDON, FEEST, DOMINELLO. ABSENT: ROHDE, GALOTTI.
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The Chair entertained a motion to take tabled items 3 & 4 off the table. A motion to approve was made by Gordon, seconded by Feest, approved unanimously.
ITEM #3 OF 2/5/01: RES.R E: AMENDMENT TO CITY CODE THAT STATES IF THE CITY HAS TO CLEAN SIDEWALKS, THE OWNER OF SAID PROPERTY WILL BE CHARGED BY PUTTING A LIEN ON THE PROPERTY. (Public Hearing held tonight.)
A property owner has 24 hours to clean the sidewalks. When a complaint comes in, a warning is given, then a ticket, then the City will send someone to clear it, and then a lien will go on the property.
The Chair entertained a motion to approve.
A MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY GORDON, SECONDED BY FEEST. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. AYE: GORDON, FEEST, DOMINELLO. ABSENT: ROHDE, GALOTTI.
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ITEM #MNO51 OF 2/5/01: RES. RE: LETTER TO MAYOR MARINAN FROM MR. AND MRS. ANTHONY GARRETT OF 235 SCHWINK DRIVE RE: PUBLIC LIGHTING ON SCHWINK DRIVE REGARDING INSTALLATION OF STREETLIGHTS.
Munson stated that he had spoken with Dimauro and he hasn’t received a letter from Roger regarding this request. Munson stated that he personally knows that Roger did send it. Dimauro gave Kevin a monthly fee of $10 a month per light for Schwinks Drive. Kevin stated that CL&P charged the City $1,700 for five poles and five lights on Nancy Lane. So, he would like to get this $10 monthly fee in writing and then this issue
would be resolved.
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Matters not on the Agenda.
Chamberlain and Lockwood signal light. Munson stated that they have not moved forward with this light because the Planning Commission denied it. They wanted more information as to the impact of the Target and Walgreen Stores. Munson asked the Committee if they wanted to pursue this. Members stated yes. Dominello stated that he would discuss this with Leadership. The Meriden Square paid 50% towards the light.
Magnet School Signal Light. Dominello asked the status of the light. Munson stated that Jakiela is one week away from sending the design to the State Traffic Commission for their review. Dominello stated that the Planning Commission would not let the school open without the light. Munson stated that after they get the ok from the State, then it has to go out to bid for material and for a vendor to install it. Gordon asked if they could get a bid waiver for material and have staff install the light. Munson stated that they have no time to install the light. They are presently working on projects in South Meriden and on Centennial Avenue. If the Committee wanted him to start ordering the material, then he would need an account number to charges this to. Dominello will check on
this. Munson stated that he really shouldn’t order anything until the State approves the design because they might want it designed in a different fashion and that would effect the order. Dominello also stated that he would check with the Police Chief to see if he every received the letter from the State approving the light if the City pays for the light, then they could move ahead. Munson stated that the State Traffic Commission approval could take up to three months, so he hoped the City’s delegation could help pushing this through. Dominello stated that he would check with Dawn to find out exactly when the plans are being submitted to the State.
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Mr. Richard Pasela spoke in opposition of the upgrade to the radio system at the PD. He advised the Committee to seek the advice of an independent consultant.
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At 8:00 p.m. a motion to adjourn was made by Gordon, seconded by Dominello, approved unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Grace Suzio
Council Committee Clerk
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