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Health Welfare and Public
Safety Committee Actions
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AUGUST 24, 2006
ATTENDANCE: Rev. Phyllis Bolden, Chair; Joanne Romano, William Krummel,
Kevin Poruban, Douglas Sutton
STAFF: Timothy Callahan, Health Department Director; Michael
Dolhancryk, Emergency Management Director; Tom Closter
GUESTS: Police Chief Rilling, Fire Chief McCarthy; Diane Lauricella, League
of Women Voters; Laurel Linstrom
PUBLIC HEARING
RE: Installation of street light at the entrance to the Silvermine Condominiums, Oakwood Avenue.
Rev. Bolden called the hearing to order at 7:35 p.m. Mr. Krummel commented that there wasn’t a copy of the public notice of the hearing in his packet. Mr. Callahan asked Mr. Closter to make copies. Mr. Closter then distributed copies of the public notice to the members of the Committee. As there was no member of the pubic present to speak for or against the installation of the street light at the entrance to the Silvermine Condominiums, Oakwood Avenue, the hearing was closed at 7:36 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Rev. Bolden called the regular meeting of the Health, Welfare and Public Safety Committee to order at 7:37 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 27, 2006
Mr. Krummel asked if there were copies of the minutes from June 22, 2006 available. . Mr. Callahan asked Mr. Closter to make copies of those minutes for the Committee members.
The Committee then reviewed the minutes from July 27, 2006.
The following corrections were noted:
Under ATTENDANCE: Please correct “Phylis” to “Phyllis”
Page 2, paragraph 5, line 1: please change “Mr. Poruban asked Ms. Linstrom if she had” to “Mr. Poruban asked Ms. Lauricella if Ms. Linstrom had”
Page 3, paragraph 3: Please change from “Mr. Dolhancryk said that he submitted the payroll stubs to the State for reimbursement to the Department.” to “Mr. Dolhancryk said that he submitted the payroll stubs to the State for reimbursement to the Department. Mr. Poruban asked for the full title of the program grant.”
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE JULY 27, 2006 MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Romano then stated that Mr. Poruban was listed under GUESTS, when in fact, he had been appointed to fill Rev. Olmstead-Sawyer’s position on the Council and all of her Committees.
The following correction was noted:
Under GUEST: Please removed “Kevin Poruban” to the list.
Under ATTENDANCE: Please add “Kevin Poruban” to the list.
** MS. ROMANO MOVED THE MINUTES OF JULY 27, 2006 AS AMENDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Closter then distributed copies of the June 22, 2006 minutes to the members of the Committee.
** REV. BOLDEN MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF JUNE 22, 2006 AS SUBMITTED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
GRANTS:
1. Community Case Worker
Mr. Callahan reviewed the particulars regarding the Community Case Manger for the Elderly. He stated that Norwalk has been receiving these funds for twenty years and that it was focused on the frail, elderly residents. Rev. Bolden asked Mr. Callahan how successful the Health Department is at meeting the required goals. Mr. Callahan replied that the Norwalk Health Department meets the State requirement easily. Rev. Bolden then asked if this program would provide ramps for the elderly. Mr. Callahan said that this particular program did not, but mentioned that The Family and Children’s Agency often was able to assist people in obtaining ramps for the elderly. Mr. Krummel asked if these funds were for a full time or part time position. Mr. Callahan explained that while the grant covers a part time position, the case worker is actually full time and does “job sharing”, working part time with the elderly and fulfilling other duties.
** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO APPROVE:
1.a) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT GRAND FUNDS FROM THE SOUTHWEST CONNECTICUT AGENCY ON AGING FOR THE COMMUNITY CASE MANAGER FOR THE ELDERLY PROGRAM FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 2006 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2007.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
** MS. ROMANO MOVED TO APPROVE:
1.b) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS, INSTRUMENTS OR AMENDMENTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE COMMUNITY CASE MANAGER FOR THE ELDERLY PROGRAM FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 2006 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2007.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Sexually Transmitted Disease Control Program
Mr. Poruban noted that the date on the document stated that the grant would apply from July 14, 2006 to June 30, 2009. Mr. Callahan stated that the correct date would be July 1, 2006.
** MS. ROMANO MOVED TO APPROVE:
2.a) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT GRAND FUNDS FROM THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH FOR THE SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE CONTROL PROGRAM FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 14, 2006 TO JUNE 30, 2009.
WITH THE START DATE AMENDED TO JULY 1, 2006.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO APPROVE:
2.b) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS, INSTRUMENTS OR AMENDMENTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE CONTROL PROGRAM FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 41, 2006 TO JUNE 30, 2009.
WITH THE START DATE AMENDED TO JULY 1, 2006.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Local Health Department - Obesity Program
Mr. Callahan reviewed the plans for instituting a “Become a NorWALKER” neighborhood walking plan with route maps and statistical tracking. It is a community awareness plan that is designed to encourage more physical activity. The Committee will look forward to hearing more about this plan as it develops.
** MR. SUTTON MOVED TO APPROVE:
3.a) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT GRAND FUNDS FROM THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH FOR THE OBESITY PROGRAM FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2006, TO JUNE 30, 2007.
3.b) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS, INSTRUMENTS OR AMENDMENTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE OBESITY PROGRAM FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2006, TO JUNE 30, 2007.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONTRACTS:
4. Medical Billing Software Agreement
Mr. Callahan explained that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is requiring that claims be submitted to them electronically beginning in the fall of 2006. The software is provided at no charge by First Coast Services.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS WITH FIRST COAST SERVICE OPTIONS, INC. TO ALLOW FOR ELECTRONIC CLAIMS SUBMISSION.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PURCHASE APPROVALS
Mr. Dolhancryk distributed copies of the CDEPP Memo to the Committee members.
He then reviewed the history of the grant and explained that due to a department name change on the part of the State, the grant application process was stalled until the name could be changed on all the documents. The funding is still available, but it must be spent by the end of September.
5. Motorola Portable Radios
Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to Motorola Inc. for the purchase of 30 Model XTS2500 800 MHX portable radios and peripheral equipment to support Public Safety Interoperabilty in the 800 Megahertz range, for the purchase of 14 mobile and 14 portable radios and peripheral equipment to support Public Safety interoperability in the 400 Megahertz range, purchase order not to exceed $139,477.30.
In reviewing the first proposal, Mr. Krummel stated that he was not comfortable that the 30 800 Megahertz (MHX) portable radios were lumped in with the request for the 14 400 MHX portable and 14 mobile radios or that the model number of the 400 MHX portable radios was not included in the request. It was therefore decided to break the request into two parts.
** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING AMENDED PROPOSAL:
5.a) AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO MOTOROLA INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF 30 MODEL XTS2500 800 MHX PORTABLE RADIOS AND PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT TO SUPPORT PUBLIC SAFETY INTEROPERABILTY IN THE 800 MEGAHERTZ RANGE
5.b) AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO MOTOROLA INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF 14 XTL2500 MOBILE RADIOS AND 14 XTL2500 PORTABLE RADIOS AND PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT TO SUPPORT PUBLIC SAFETY INTEROPERABILITY IN THE 400 MEGAHERTZ RANGE
THE COMBINED PURCHASE ORDERS ARE NOT TO EXCEED A TOTAL OF $139,447.30. EXPENDITURES TO BE MADE UNDER CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONTRACT #ITB-061TZ0008 AND #ITB-061TZ0008. FUNDS TO BE DRAWN FROM HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT 2004 ACCOUNT #350047004 AND #35047104.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Amateur Radio Emergency and disaster support (RACES)
Mr. Dolhancryk reviewed the details of the RACES proposal for the Committee members.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO NORTHEASTERN COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF VARIOUS ANTENNAS AND EQUIPMENT TO SUPPORT THE OPERATIONS OF RACES (AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY AND DISASTER SUPPORT) WITHIN THE NORWALK EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER AT THE NORWALK POLICE SERVICES BUILDING. SAID PURCHASE ORDER NOT TO EXCEED $ 9,076.00 AND TO BE DRAWN FROM HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT FUNDS ACCOUNT #35047004-5744-H3336.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Blackberry Devices for City’s Emergency Response Staff.
Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue the necessary purchase orders to purchase and support 10 Blackberry type devices to be distributed to key members of the City’s Emergency Response staff. Purchase orders not to exceed $16,000.00. Funds to be drawn from Homeland Security Grant 2004 Account #350047004 and #35047104.
Mr. Dolhancryk reviewed the history of the City’s earlier purchase of five Blackberry devices. They have proved their worth and now Mr. Dolhancryk recommends the additional purchases, which will allow one person to contact a number of people with one email rather than numerous phone calls. There was some discussion on who should receive the devices and other related details. Mr. Poruban stated that the proposal needs to included “and support equipment”. Everyone agreed.
** MR. SUTTON MOVED THE FOLLOWING AMENDED PROPOSAL:
AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO ISSUE THE NECESSARY PURCHASE ORDERS TO PURCHASE 10 BLACKBERRY TYPE DEVICES AND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO KEY MEMBERS OF THE CITY’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE STAFF. PURCHASE ORDERS NOT TO EXCEED $16,000.00. FUNDS TO BE DRAWN FROM HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT 2004 ACCOUNT #350047004 AND #35047104.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Camera Equipment
Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to COHU Electronics not to exceed $22,000.00 for the purchase of the equipment required to bridge the present analog camera system to the City’s Municipal Area Network, and a second purchase order not to exceed $10,000.00 for the installation of that equipment, vendor to be determined. This equipment will allow for transmission of data from those cameras to the Emergency Operations Center, Combined Dispatch and various alternate centers throughout the City of Norwalk. Funds to be drawn from the Homeland Security Grant 2004 Account #350047004 and #35047104.
Mr. Dolhancryk explained that Mr. Foley had advised him that the various vendors were willing to bargain and suggested that the vendor name be left as “To be determined” in order to get the best price. Following some discussion on the wording of the proposal, it was decided to break the proposal in to two parts.
** MS. ROMANO MOVED THE FOLLOWING AMENDED PROPOSAL:
8a.) AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO COHU ELECTRONICS NOT TO EXCEED $22,000.00 FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED TO BRIDGE THE PRESENT ANALOG CAMERA SYSTEM TO THE CITY’S MUNICIPAL AREA NETWORK
8.B) AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO ISSUE A SECOND PURCHASE ORDER NOT TO EXCEED $10,000.00 FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THAT EQUIPMENT, VENDOR TO BE DETERMINED. THIS EQUIPMENT WILL ALLOW FOR TRANSMISSION OF DATA FROM THOSE CAMERAS TO THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER, COMBINED DISPATCH AND VARIOUS ALTERNATE CENTERS THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF NORWALK.
FUNDS TO BE DRAWN FROM THE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT 2004 ACCOUNT #350047004 AND #35047104
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Replacement Helmets for the Police Department
Mr. Dolhancryk explained that the helmets that the police currently have are showing signs of age. The interior padding of the helmets are starting to disintegrate. Mr. Poruban expressed strong concern regarding the area left uncovered on the back of the neck. Mr. Dolhancryk explained that the longer length in the back can prevent an officer from aiming a rifle. Police Chief Rilling said that he would check on the specific modifications for the helmets.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE A PURCHASING AGENT TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO ACQUIRE 182 BALLISTIC HELMETS AND 182 DETACHABLE FACE SHIELDS. PURCHASE ORDER NOT TO EXCEED $50,983.66” VENDOR TO BE DETERMINED.
ITEMS TO BE PURCHASED WITH HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT FUNDS ACCOUNT #350047004 AND #35047104
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Medium Size Patrol Boat for Norwalk Police Marine Unit.
There was a brief discussion about what would be done with the current medium sized boat. Fire Chief McCarthy expressed interest, as the Fire Department does not have a boat to transport firefighters out to the Norwalk Islands in the event of a fire.
** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO ACQUIRE A MEDIUM SIZED PATROL BOAT SUITABLE TO THE NORWALK POLICE MARINE DIVISION. PURCHASE ORDER NOT TO EXCEED $96,500.00. VENDOR TO BE DETERMINED.
FUNDS TO BE DRAWN FROM THE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT 2004/2005 ACCOUNT #350047004 AND #35047104
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Name Change on Purchase Order
Mr. Dolhancryk explained that there was a technical problem with one of the previously passed proposals and that this would need to be sent to the Council again for approval of the purchase of a Fire Department Pumper Truck.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO MARION BODY WORKS, 211 WEST RAMSDAELL, MARION, WI FOR A FIRE DEPARTMENT PUMPER FOR A PRICE NOT TO EXCEED #339,250.00. ACCOUNT # 090631105777.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Rev. Bolden informed the Committee that this would be Mr. Dolhancryk’s last meeting with the Committee. Ms. Romano said that it had been a pleasure working with Mr. Dolhancryk. Rev. Bolden thanked Mr. Dolhancryk for all his hard work and wished him the best in the future.
Mr. Callahan reminded the Committee to vote on the issue of the street light installation.
** MS. ROMANO MOVED TO APPROVE THE INSTALLATION OF STREET LIGHT AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE SILVERMINE CONDOMINIUMS, OAKWOOD AVENUE.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Krummel stated that he was very concerned about a recent action of the Health Department that appeared to be very rash. Mr. Callahan said that the Health Department is required by the State to follow certain procedures. It is assumed that when a violation is issued that the situation could end up in court, so that State Attorney’s office has reviewed the procedures used. Mr. Callahan then reviewed the procedures that the Health Department uses when a complaint is received. He said that the Health Department does not drive through Norwalk looking for violations, but when a complaint is received, they must investigate.
He then distributed copies of the forms, letters and the Housing Codes to the Committee members.
Mr. Callahan said that in his fourteen years working for the Health Department, there have only been two cases which have gone on to State Appeals and in both cases, the State supported the Health Department’s findings. He also commented that there is a Code Enforcement Committee, which reviews cases and this particular committee had not been called in some time.
Mr. Callahan also went on to say that tall grass and weeds are a nuisance because they harbor both ticks and mosquitoes and produce pollen. Mr. Krummel commented that if tall grass was a problem, he would like to lodge an official complaint about the northwest corner of Scribner and Connecticut Avenue, where there is an abundance of tall grass.
Mr. Poruban also expressed concern about the fact that a particular resident had been singled out. Mr. Poruban then passed out a set of digital pictures of tall grass and weeds at various locations in Norwalk for the Committee members and Mr. Callahan to see.
Mr. Callahan stated that there were legal constraints and he did not feel comfortable in discussing the details of the situation. He also said that this Committee was not the appropriate venue to discuss the matter. Mr. Poruban stated that he was concerned that the resident involved was not treated in a professional manner. Mr. Callahan said that he was also concerned about issue of professional treatment for all the residents of Norwalk.
Mr. Krummel asked how tall grass or weeds were a public health concern. Mr. Callahan reiterated his earlier answer about ticks, mosquitoes and pollen.
At this point, Rev. Bolden recognized Ms. Lauricella and allowed her to address the Committee members. Ms. Lauricella stated that she was the head of the Environmental Committee of the League of Women Voters (LWV) and also its president. She gave a brief run down on her areas of expertise and acknowledged that the Health Department receives complaints and that they must maintain their professionalism. Ms. Lauricella said that the LWV had studied the issue of mosquito breeding areas when the first West Nile virus scare happened. At the time, there was very strong concerns about West Nile being a major problem and New York City had sprayed the sidewalks with pesticides to reduce the spread of the virus. One issue was that mosquitoes do not breed in tall grass, but in standing water. Ms. Lauricella stated that after the initial scare, the State DEP was forced to acknowledge that West Nile Virus did not statistically affect the population at large. She then passed around a brochure entitled “Mosquito Protection for People, Property and Pets” from the State of Connecticut.
Ms. Lauricella also acknowledged that ticks and Lymes Disease are a problem. She stated that the LWV will be having a forum on natural lawn care without the use of pesticides in the near future.
One thing that Ms. Lauricella commented on was the $100 fee required for appealing a Health Department citation. This was a financial deterrent to those who might otherwise appeal. Ms. Lauricella also suggested that not all Health Department complaint situations warrant the same type of stern letter and that perhaps different wording could be used for less threatening situations.
Mr. Callahan replied that the wording of the letter was intended to encourage the recipient to comply. He reiterated his earlier statement that when the Health Department cites a violation, they expect legal action. The $100 fee attached to the appeal was simply to cover the cost of having a stenographer attend the appeal. He mentioned that an appeal to the State would be free.
Mr. Krummel commented that he still had difficulty with tall grass being a threat to public health and found it objectionable that the neighbors would complain over the height of the grass. Mr. Callahan reiterated that in the two previous State appeals, the Court upheld the Health Department.
Mr. Poruban commented that he had received a call from a school parent about the ornamental grasses that had been planted on school property. Another parent complained and now the grasses have to be removed because of concerns about insects. He also commented that local golf courses now have natural “areas” where the local grasses are allowed to grow. Finally, he observed that if the City is in violation of something like this, it is allowed a reasonable time to correct the problem.
Ms. Romano commented about the tall grass and weeds around Fitch School. Mr. Callahan said that the owner had been contacted and there were order pending.
Rev. Bolden stated that Ms. Lindstrom was present and would like to allow her to speak. Ms. Lindstrom stated that she appreciated that this issue was included on the agenda. She said that she found it interesting that tall grasses and ornamental grasses were a violation, as she has seen them outside of Stew Leonards, outside the Human Resources building and Russian Sage has been planted on many Adopt-A-Spots.
Mr. Callahan said at this point that the was very uncomfortable and that he and Mr. Closter would have to leave the meeting if the discussion continued. Ms. Lindstrom replied that the case had been closed. Mr. Callahan stated that order had been issued, to which Ms. Lindstrom replied that they had been resolved.
Ms. Lindstrom then asked if there was an ordinance about ornamental grasses around town. She commented that there were a number of businesses and other places where they were planted and properly maintained. Mr. Callahan said they were not residential areas. Mr. Poruban said that he would understand if it was a violation, but that the local nurseries were charging high prices for the ornamental grasses. Ms. Lauricella commented that with such confusion on the issue, the forum on natural lawns would be appropriate.
Mr. Krummel stated that he would like to have a outside opinion on ornamental grasses and to have a study done to avoid prejudice. He also commented that he did not hear any specific criteria from Mr. Callahan about how this constitutes a threat.
Mr. Closter commented that there had been complaints about mosquito bites and that they were still coming in from the neighbors.
Mr. Sutton left the meeting at 9:57 p.m.
Mr. Poruban commented that mosquitoes like trees and shade. He also asked if the Department of Public Works, which approves the Adopt-A-Spot planting schemes was aware that the Health Department saw the tall grasses or ornamental grasses as a health threat. Mr. Krummel asked what happens when the State had tall grass on its property. Mr. Callahan replied that if it is in a residential area, the City issues the State a citation.
ADJOURNMENT
** MS. ROMANO MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** THE MOTION WAS UNANIMOUS.
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
Sharon L. Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Services.
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