MAY 8, 2002

ATTENDANCE: Kevin Poruban, Chairman; Judy Rivas; Bruce Kimmel, Ken Baker

ABSENT: Fred Bondi, William Krummel,

CALL TO ORDER

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7:35 p.m.

MINUTE REVIEW FOR APRIL 10, 2002

The following correction was made: Glenn Iannaccone was spelled incorrectly throughout.

** THE CHAIRMAN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

INFORMATION ON NEW FIRST-AID KIT TRIAL

The Chairman received an offering from FEMA to obtain two first aid kits for trial purposes. The Police Department presented what they use in comparison to the offer from FEMA. The kits would be placed in the vehicles and used by CERT citizens who participate in disaster emergency situations. The kits are free for a trial basis to the City. The purchase price is $79.95 and replacement packages within the kit range from $6.50 to $10.00. Sgt. Walsh itemized each package in the kit currently used. Officer Blake, who is an EMT, stated the kit is very comprehensive and has more in it than the FEMA kit. The Police Department has replacement items in the main station. The information package on the kits from FEMA was given to the officers to present to the responsible office at the main station. The Chairman will obtain two kits and distribute one to the Police Department and one to the Fire Department. Mr. Iannaccone stated that NCC will be teaching the CERT program this Fall.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT OF ALERT SIREN REPLACEMENT COSTS

Mr. Iannaccone stated there are six sirens throughout the City. There is one at Ben Franklin and Cranbury School that work out of the four mechanical units. They will be tested shortly. The other mechanical units are at Fox Run and Rowayton Schools are frozen because they are very old. The cost to install the mechanical units would be $1869.00 each. Two sirens are electronic at Marvin School and Woodward Park. These units have voice capability. They have mechanical shut-offs on them. The low-band frequency is very scratchy and does not convey the message well in case of an evacuation alert. Northeast Communications suggested transferring them over to high-band frequencies. The two operating units have had new bands ordered for them. The cost to replace mechanical with electronic units would be $6355 each. Mr. Iannaccone suggested going back and repairing the mechanical units.

Mr. Kimmel asked whether there is a grant for such equipment. Mr. Iannaccone stated that the City’s population is not high enough to qualify. There will be some grants forthcoming and possibly Norwalk may qualify.

Mr. Poruban asked whether the City has adequate coverage. Mr. Iannaccone stated that West Norwalk is covered by Fox Run and South Norwalk and water points are covered by Ben Franklin. Norwalk High School area has coverage as well for the Northern part of town.

Mr. Baker inquired whether a special appropriation would be required. Mr. Kimmel stated that it would be a direct request to Finance to cover this expense. Mr. Kimmel suggested that Mr. Iannaccone make the request for the replacements now. The cost to install each unit will be $500 each. Mr. Iannaccone will speak with the Traffic Department to see they can assist in saving on the expense. Mr. Iannaccone suggested two electronics and two mechanical be purchased.

Mr. Poruban inquired how much area is covered in South Norwalk with the mechanical and voice units. Mr. Iannaccone stated that Marvin, Calf Pasture and Woodward water points could be contacted via Ben Franklin’s siren. There is a partial electronic unit in one of the Fire houses that might be refurbished. Mr. Kimmel recommended a request be made to the Finance Department to purchase the two mechanical units at $1869 each.

Mr. Iannaccone will put out a notice to the media that the units will be tested the first week in June. This will ensure that the citizens are not under the impression that there is an air attack like that of September 11, 2001.

ADJOURNMENT

** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO ADJOURN.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Alvina L. Richardson Decker

Telesco Secretarial Services

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