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Health Welfare and Public
Safety Committee Actions
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DECEMBER 14, 2006
ATTENDANCE: Rev. Phyllis Bolden, Chairwoman; Joanne Romano, Richard
McQuaid (7:53 p.m.)
STAFF: Timothy Callahan, Department of Health Director
OTHERS: Harding Dye, Diane Lauricella, Fire Chief Denis McCarthy
CALL TO ORDER
Rev. Bolden called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. She announced that there was not a quorum present. Rev. Bolden stated that there were members of the public present and that she would allow them to speak to the Committee members present.
Let it be noted that the following comments and remarks by all speakers have been summarized and are not necessarily verbatim.
Mr. Harding Dye, a Norwalk resident addressed the Committee first. He stated that he had some strong concerns about the proposed trans fat ban. Mr. Dye stated that he believe that when the Mayor of New York City proposed legislation, that the Norwalk legislation often followed suit and that he had seen this happen on previous occasions. Mr. Dye pointed out that it was one thing to ban trans fats in the schools, but another one to make them illegal for the general public. As an adult, Mr. Harding stated that he could easily drive to one of the surrounding communities to purchase the food. While he may choose not to eat foods with trans fats as a capable, educated adult, he should not be forbidden to do so by the City legislature.
Ms. Nancy Heron, who resides on Seir Hill Road, then addressed the Committee. She expressed her some concerns. Mr. Callahan explained that a public hearing had been held on the subject and that after the public hearing closed, no action had been taken on the matter.
Ms. Diane Lauricella, who resides on Seaview Avenue, addressed the Committee next. She then distributed copies of a letter to the members of the Committee. She commented that it was very important to find a skilled candidate for the Emergency Preparedness position. Ms. Lauricella stated that communication with the public was an important component of this position.
Rev. Bolden then asked if there was anyone else from the public who wished to speak to the Committee. Seeing that there were none, Rev. Bolden stated that the Committee would proceed with the agenda.
Immunization Action Plan Grant
Mr. Callahan presented the Immunization Act Plan Grant. He explained that the Federal Government through the State funds the grant. The grant provides for a nurse that visits Norwalk Hospital three times week to talk about immunization and provides an immunization schedule. In addition to the hospital visits, the nurse provides support to the public. This program has been very helpful to Norwalk. The grant will continue for another two years.
Mr. McQuaid joined the meeting at 7:53 p.m.
** MS. ROMANO MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS:
a.) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT GRANTS FUNDS FROM THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT FOR THE IMMUNIZATION ACT PLAN PROGRAM FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2007 TO DECEMBER 31, 2008.
b.) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AGREEMENTS, DOCUMENTS OR AMENDMENTS THAT MAY BE NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE IMMUNIZATION ACT PLAN PROGRAM FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2007 TO DECEMBER 31, 2008.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 28, 2006
** MS. ROMANO MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 28, 2006 AS SUBMITTED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
UPDATE ON NORWALK EMERGENCY SHELTER INSPECTION
Mr. Callahan gave a brief update on the bedbug problem that had arisen at the Norwalk Emergency Shelter. The situation is currently under control at this time. The exterminator under contract was not able to control bedbugs. Mr. Callahan explained that a new exterminator has been hired and the problem has been contained. All the questionable bedding and mattresses have been removed and there have not been any further complaints. This issue will continue to be monitored.
INFORMATION DISSEMINATION AND DISCUSSION ON TRANS FAT BAN
Mr. Callahan stated Mr. Poruban had brought this issue to the attention of the Health Department. Mr. Callahan also explained that he had distributed some information to the Board of Health at their recent meeting. Trans fats lower the good cholesterol and elevate the bad cholesterol. Trans fats strongest point is that they allow products to have a longer shelf life. Mr. Callahan stated that the most important point was the education of the public as to what trans fats actually are. He stated that the Health Department would be preparing a program for the public on this issue. This will also be included on the Website.
Mr. Callahan also contacted the State Department of Health regarding this issue. Ms. Romano stated she felt that it was important to educate the public about trans fats rather than having an ordinance about what foods the residents can and can not eat. She also commented that many of the food chains had already eliminated trans fats from their recipes. Mr. McQuaid also observed that students bring in their own lunches when they don’t like the choices on hot lunch menu.
GRANTS OFFICE
Homeland Security Grant
The discussion then centered on the Norwalk Schools Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning Team Interim Report and the $20,000 request for GO Boxes. The report recommends GO Boxes and a number of additional items. Mr. McQuaid expressed some concerns about the number of items on the list and said that he would like to see a list of which schools have the listed equipment and which schools do not. Rev. Bolden commented that at the PTO meetings, Dr. Corda had said the school did not have any of these items. She went on to say that money was set aside for this and suggested that this item be set aside until the next meeting so that the Committee can find out where the money is allocated. Mr. McQuaid suggested approving the grant but with a break down.
** MR. MCQUAID MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:
A.) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO APPLY FOR, SECURE, ACCEPT AND ENTER INTO THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HOMELAND SECURITY REGARDING STATE USE OF FFY 2005 HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT FUNDING.
B.) AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO INSURE PURCHASE ORDERS NOT TO EXCEED $276,072 AS DESCRIBED BELOW (BIDDERS APPROVED BY THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT)
Reverse 911 System (State Approval pending) $97,681
Salamander Accountability System (Fire Dept. $17,471
First responder tracking
Remainder of Secuitas Train Station Camera Costs $18,000
Godwin Dri-Primer Trailer-Mounted Pump $37,905
(clears flooded roadways, buildings, etc.)
Pump Fittings $3,934
(Necessary to use pump)
Godwin 65 kw Trailer-Mounted Generator $30,276
(Power emergency system and lights)
6 Heavy Duty 1000 watt Quartz lights 8” on tri-base $834
Concrete Chain Saw $1,999
Stihl TS Cut-off Saw (gas) $864
Stihl ms460 Rescue Saw $1,050
Aluminum Tripod Winch with full body harness $2,699
Pipe Plug 10” x 18” $695
Pipe Plug 18” x 24” $1,159
Pipe Plug 15” x 30” $1,599
Emergency bottled water (for school children who $7,257
Must be held inside school or disaster victims
At emergency shelters.)
19 Go Boxes for School Emergencies $20,000
Area Rea System (This is a wireless, multi-channel, $32,649
Compact, multi-gas monitor that can meter
Hazardous materials and suspected weapons
Of mass destruction at a distance)
Grand Total $276,072
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Fire Department
Chief McCarthy stated that the Common Council had done a study to determine whether it would be appropriate to conduct further examination of the Fire Stations location and their general conditions. A committee was appointed, composed of Mayor Moccia, Fred Bondi, Walter Briggs, Hal Alvord, Chief McCarthy and a staff member. Interviews were conducted and three vendors were selected. Chief McCarthy then reviewed the finalist’s qualification with the Committee. The Committee selected Pico Ross for the proposed renovations.
** MR. MCQUAID MOVED TO FORWARD THE PROPOSED CONTRACTOR, PICO ROSS, TO THE FULL COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Rev. Bolden asked Chief McCarthy about the status of the garage facility. Chief McCarthy said that he hoped that if the Committee members had not had a full tour of the facilities, that they should soon. He commented that the old Wheels garage was originally not well constructed. The mechanic bays are a great asset and the storage bays are also a strong point.
Chief McCarthy also commented that some of the mechanics were able to create vehicles by assembling parts from different types of vehicles in the garage. Mr. McQuaid commented that the two full time and single part time mechanics were very hard working and ingenious with what they do.
Chief McCarthy said as the Council moves forward with the consideration of a new Fire Department facility, Chief McCarthy said that it was important to note that the garage needed more attention than Volk Station.
Police Department
Other Business
Respectfully submitted
Sharon L. Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Services
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