Public Health, Safety & Environment Subcommittee - Special Meeting

Good evening. Good evening, Bloomfield. Welcome to the town of Bloomfield Public Health, Public Safety, and Environment Committee meeting. It is 6:05 and we do call this meeting to order. Thank you everyone for in the room and online for joining us. My apologies. I am remote today. Uh, Miss Rogers, if you could help monitor the room as well as the agenda and hands that I cannot see, that would be greatly appreciated. No problem. Okay. And from what I can see as far as roll call, we have myself, councelor Mahan, councelor Cooper, and unless he joins a little bit later, I did hear from councelor Oliver who was unable to return today. All right. And so the first agenda item, discussion and possible action regarding a new town ordinance, chapter 19, traffic article 6, oversized vehicle traffic. Uh this has been going on for a long time, a long time coming. Thank everyone in the room for their hard work. Uh I do believe we have uh representatives of our town attorney or his office online. If we have that language so that we can present it here, that would be great. It's currently showing on the screen is chapter 19 traffic articles six oversized vehicle traffic. Okay. Thank you. And if we could have the town attorney speak to this. I know that this has been worked on for quite a while. if we could high level. Okay. Cover this article so that the public is aware of what we've been working on. Was that me? We have somebody talking. I'm not sure who uh that's me, Ashley Moore. Okay. All

right. Okay. I just heard background. I'm sorry. So, I'm looking for the document again. Let me see if I can get that back up. Okay. Uh, attorney Moore, I'll give you the floor in one minute, but this has been a long time coming. We thank everyone who worked on this, most in particularly the residents that drove this initiative as had been conducted in other areas of town where we had significant concerns over traffic, oversized vehicles, speed, and other traffic issues. So, we appreciate all the hard work, the collaboration that made this come to fruition. and Attorney Moore, if you could high level and go over this ordinance change, that would be greatly um appreciated. Yep, absolutely. So, um this is a pretty straightforward ordinance which basically restricts um vehicles weighing over 14,000 lbs from certain roads. Um currently in this ordinance, the only road mentioned is Burr Road. uh if at some point in the future the town decides that it is in the best interest of the town um to restrict other roads those can be added. Uh this ordinance includes both uh vehicles and anything that is being towed or hauled by those vehicles. It is a combined weight ordinance. Uh and the purpose here is really I mean to restrict traffic but predominantly to restrict traffic that can be harmful to the neighborhood and the quality of the roads. So, this is an ordinance that allows the town to really look at a multitude of factors when determining when it may be appropriate to restrict uh vehicles in excess of 14,000 pounds. Yeah. And just to clarify because I think this might be a question that will come up. Um if there are because this ordinance restricts a specific road. If there are currently vehicles that are owned, for example, commercial vehicles

owned by a business already existing on the road, it will not impact that. This does not take vehicles away from anyone. Um what this does is restrict use of outside vehicles and it also prevents new vehicles in excess of the weight um from being brought in uh for new businesses for example for for anything that's not existing at the moment. It's a future ordinance um but it doesn't take anything away that currently exists. Okay, attorney Moore, thank you for that clarification. You did um go out for a few seconds there, but I believe you may have recapped what what went out. Um, yes. So, you did answer a question. I was going to say, well, what do we do when we come to another juncture where we have another area because there are a few other areas consistently that the police department does proactive um motor vehicle enforcement for example based on similar complaints that emanated from uh Burough Maple Avenue area. So that was the question. What do we do when we have another area that may be in need of utilizing this ordinance? Um believe you answered that question. Yep. So that would be another discussion. It would be an amendment to the ordinance to add a new road. Um you know a new a new public hearing for each road to be added. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Do we have any questions or comments in the room? Yeah. Well, I say any questions or comments on the room? No. Okay. Do we have any questions or comments online? I'm looking for hands. Councelor Mahan. Councelor Cooper. Well, the only thing that comes to mind is um you know, I I know this is regarding uh

Burr and not Maple. Was there any specific reason uh why Maple wasn't pushed forward? Was this the recommendation of the uh the coalition that that formed or is was this um or was the decision on Burr instead of Maple instead of both a decision that was made by the town? How did we uh how did uh I guess this come to be in the final iteration of this uh of this proposal? So, I can speak a little bit to that. Um, maybe someone else can explain more fully, but from my understanding, there are different types of calming measures that are going to be occurring on Maple. Um, that was one major reason, but additionally, because we're talking about an oversized vehicle ordinance, um, one thing to consider is the capacity of the road. And it's also my understanding that perhaps Maple might not be a good candidate for such a restriction because it's a larger road from my understanding. Um but maybe maybe someone can expand on that. But from my understanding it's a combination of the quality of the road as well as additional calming measures being taken on Maple. Um, and it was also brought up that if Burr Road is restricted just based on the the traffic routes through the town, that would allow for additional calming on Maple by default, which is I can understand that explanation, Attorney Moore, because Burr does uh culminate down on Maple and you can only go right or left. So, that does make sense. Um, Chief, would you be able to give a little more color as to uh why Burr only in the language for councelor Mahan? Uh, I believe as uh as attorney Moore uh

stated, it had uh to do with there was already a a plan in place uh for Maple Avenue. Um but I know that those discussions on Bur Road took place between the town manager and uh public works. Uh I was brought in later to discuss enforcement efforts uh and to discuss uh the weight limit on on trucks. Um so I would have to defer to uh Dan Carter on the exact reason why Maple Avenue was not included in that. Okay. And he's not here. So um Council Mahan, just for your edification, did you want me to reach out to Dan to try to get that answer for you? I I think Attorney Moore uh did a pretty good job of of laying it all out there. So, thank you very much and the chief for um for your additional answer. I do Chief, you you mentioned a little bit on enforcement. Um what does enforcement look like from your end? Well, once if the ordinance is passed restricting uh a particular vehicle, in this case, vehicles that uh exceed a particular weight limit, um what we've done in the past and what I would what I would advocate for is to post those limitations um for 30 days approximately 30 days ahead of time. Um the last time when we did it on uh the tractor trailer restriction, we did it with the large digital signs as well as permanent signage on the street to give people advanced notice um that the the ordinance is going into effect. Um the recommendation on this ordinance that I made was to make it a state infraction so that it had more teeth um so that the um so that we could get some more enforcement on that. uh once it's posted uh and then after 30 days or you know

around that time period, attorney Moore may be able to clarify that uh better. Um we would go out for a period of uh two to four weeks uh and give warnings. It's typically what we've done in the past uh to motorists uh who are exceeding the the weight limit uh informing them that the signage has been up that they're in violation. Then after that period, after I call that kind of a grace period, uh we would begin enforcement with full citations. Um now listen, I've talked about our limited uh manpower uh and certainly we're going to be limited uh with the upcoming budget as far as overtime expenditures, etc. So we'll do our best uh to do that enforcement out there uh and make sure that we uh we try and enforce the will of the of the residents on the council. I hope that answered your question. Yes. Yes, it definitely did. I'm sorry. I just have uh one more just one more pod. I was trying to find the uh um the unmute button. Um so the uh the other question uh that I have is um I I guess this is for attorney Moore. Um, I I do think it's pretty helpful to have that that 30-day period of the signage and so on so forth before it goes into effect. Um, does this once the council once the I know we're we're voting to recommend this to the full town council. Um once uh once the town council votes on it and if it's approved by the town council to when does uh when would it take effect? Um does take effect immediately? Uh can do we have to do we

have to specify um a specific day or yeah a specific day that it goes into effect? Um, what do you think, Attorney Moore? I I believe, and I can double check this, but I believe it's 30 days. Um, but I also just want to clarify it it still does have to go to public hearing. Okay, there we go. So, there there's a little bit more time. Um, I'm I'm speaking more so on the, you know, because the chief mentioned the signage and I think that's very important because we don't want folks folks don't want to violate the law and um, you know, they do need adequate warnings to make sure that they adhere to the law. Um, and we want to make sure that we're fair to them as well before we begin the um, we begin to get to the point of penalization for violating. Um, so I I do like the the plan that you've outlined, Chief. Um, uh, Attorney Moore, if you're saying, you know, if it takes 30 days to go into effect from the point of us voting on it, then, um, then that sounds good to me. If you're saying we don't need to specify that as of, for example, August 2025, this goes into effect, then then I'm fine. Yeah. I I believe for ordinances once it once it goes through this committee town council public hearing then town council approves it. Um then I believe it will go into effect within 30 days. However, if you wanted to push that out um and have it go into effect at a future date if you wanted 60 days um you know you could have it go into effect later. But I I believe also that even once it goes into effect um and perhaps the chief can correct me if I'm wrong on this, but I believe that there's some discretion in strict

enforcement. Um I believe that there can be a ramp up period even after it goes into effect in in terms of public knowledge and you know maybe maybe a little discretion in citations. Yeah, I think uh I think that's uh what the chief outlined there. Our um our residents over our neighbors over on Maple and Bur have been very patient. Um, so I'm I'm hoping we could, you know, move forward, but also those that um will be in violation of this future policy if it goes through, I I just want to make sure that we're being fair to them as well. So, so, thank you very much for your answers and chief, thank you as well for your answers. Um, Todd has had his hand up for quite some time, so I I'll stop there. Councelor Cooper. Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um I I I can appreciate that, you know, we are are you looking at this in a cautious manner for those who may violate the law. Um but I also want to um say that I don't believe that our residents um who have patiently waited and advocated very strongly for these measures to be taken should wait any longer. Um, I think that we should push this up uh to the council that we should have a vote on it and and get it moving as fast as possible. There are those who are I'm sure on the line who are listening saying, you know, why are we delaying this any further? Um, and I would like to be an advocate for them. I live in that area. So, I I'd also full disclosure, I'd also like to to advocate

um that we put this up to the council, get it on the books. Um and a lot of work has gone into this uh by many many people including the residents, including uh partners and stakeholders, um the state of Connecticut as well as the town of Bloomfield and our police departments and public works. So, let's, you know, hopefully get their work to a finished state and we can maybe have a vote. Thank you. Thank you, Kiran. Yeah, I just want to clarify. Uh, I'm not advocating that we wait any longer or I I literally said the residents have waited very long. They've been very patient. I literally So, I just want to make that clear. Um, just in case councelor Cooper may have misunderstood and as a result misconstrued my statements. I that's that's not what I'm advocating for. I I'm just understand how if I if I may finish coun if I may because no no because I did misconrue. I wasn't addressing you. I was addressing the issue. Please remove yourself from that and just we can both look at the issue. I understand you know where you're coming from and and and thank you for your comments but no conflict. Gentlemen, point of order. Gentlemen, thank you. I have the I have the floor, Madam Chair. Okay. But there's talking over you and overtalking. So there's a point of order for everybody. You may finish your statements, please. Thank you so much. Thank Thank you, Madam Chair. And and I I would hope that you know in future situations when uh when I I if someone has the floor um and there's that interruption that's made

that we um try to catch it uh when when it begins. um the I had the floor and I had to yield to someone that was overstepping um on my but I I'll I'll leave it I'll leave it there madam chair thank you madam chair madam chair point of order you hadn't called on council mahan to speak with you and so he did not have the floor and he is incorrect in what he just stated okay well at this point I'm going to wrap up the comments if the counselors are done um to your point council mahan I'm sure there would have been a swifter response had any of us been in the room um so as to have better order. So I I don't have the same eyes that I normally have, but thank you for your commentary on that. I hope that we can all moving forward when we're in the room most particularly conduct ourselves in a way that we're not over talking and um abiding by our time and recognizing who is on the floor and making their comments um properly in order. So thank you for that comment. I appreciate it. So, this is all about chapter 19, article 6. Do I have a motion from anyone to take this up to full counsel on the upcoming June 23rd council meeting? So, move. Second. Thank you, gentlemen. All in favor? I I I opposed. Abstensions. Thank you. The motion carries. Thank you guys for your input. Um, both of you gentlemen as well as Chief and Attorney Moore. We really appreciate it. And as well to the residents, thank you so much for your hard work, your diligence, and your consistency on addressing this issue. We have other areas that are in need and concern of the same issues. But thank you guys for continuing to um push the needle, stay consistent, um and work with the staff to come up with what we believe now to be an ordinance that will help you mitigate some of those traffic

concerns on Bur Road and where they may exist in other areas. Thank you for clarifying, attorney Moore, that we may be able to add other areas in the same fashion in the future. So, thank you guys all for your hard work on this matter. Much appreciated. And as we move on, um, Chief, my apologies. I know there was a snafu with your communication. If you're not ready for, um, a report out, we can move on to the fire department updates. I can give you kind of a modified report. I just didn't have time, uh, last minute to put together a full report if that's okay. That is okay. And thank you because it's not um any offense taken for the public. This was rescheduled last week. Our usual meeting was cancelled because of the high school graduation. Congratulations to the class of 2025. So, no harm, no foul. Chief, if you have a a report out, my pen is ready and I'm sure the public is as well. Thank you. So, so the crime stats, I couldn't populate the entire chart, but basically we're up for the month of May. Um, but we remain down 20% uh year to date uh on crime offenses. Um, we do con still have four police officer vacancies at the police department. Uh, we are recruiting. Um, but as I've told the committee in the past, uh, unfortunately the candidate pool continues to shrink. Uh, not just Bloomfield, but um, the profession at large. So, we are uh, fortunate though that we have two officers who are in the final phase of their field training. They have only a week or so left. They're both doing very well. Uh so we're hopeful they'll be joining us uh on their own uh this month. Uh we have two recruits in the in the police academy. They're both in a satellite what we call satellite academy at Post in New Britain. Um they uh the reports are that they're doing very

well. We had uh from a traffic statistic perspective, we had 50 accidents on local roads in Bloomfield in May. uh officers conducted 247 motor vehicle stops and made four uh driving under the influence arrests. Uh they also conducted 145 motor vehicle details. Um so they have been active uh the primary location they're active throughout town. The areas that were giving uh additional attention um Maple Avenue and Burr for speeding, which we just talked about, uh they conducted 26 motor vehicle details and 30 motor vehicle stops in May. Uh Wittenberry Avenue for speeding complaints from local residents. Uh they conducted 14 motor vehicle details and 16 cars were stopped. and Brown Street at Mills Lane uh for speeding and uh stop sign concerns uh during commuting times. Eight motor vehicle details were conducted there in the last few weeks and 10 motor vehicle stops were conducted by officers. There was one complaint that we received uh um from the uh board of ed about uh an officer's conduct. uh the town manager and I have spoken with all the parties involved uh including the officer, the school superintendent, uh principal White um and we believe the issue is resolved now. We're moving forward. Uh we still have what I consider a very positive relationship between the board of ed and the police department. We hope to continue building on that uh as we go forward. We had one use of force. Um officers responded to a lararseny complaint. They located this the subject outside of the business. Uh the subject initially gave a false name and date of

birth to officers uh and indicated uh that she was an adult. Um the subject resisted the officers as they attempted to take her into custody. Excuse me. One of the officers drew his taser and pointed it at the subject, giving her verbal commands. Uh the subject was then taken into custody without further incident. Uh the use of force did result in min minor bruising to the police officer's arm. Uh and uh all the use of force was reviewed and was in compliance with our policy and state statute. So um the mental health clinician uh has been very active. that has still been a very very positive addition to the police department um and has helped uh significantly reduce our officer use of force incidents which as I explained in the past primarily dealt with uh people suffering from mental and emotional uh emergency incidents. Um so we used contacted the mental health clinician on 17 separate calls for service over the month of May. um made a number of uh referrals um and uh and continue to to enjoy that program very much. From uh BVA, I don't have your typical update um that was sent in to the town manager uh as part of um the coordinator's monthly update. I can tell you that there's been a change in leadership there. Sergeant Zack Clamberg, who I'll have come to one of the meetings to introduce himself to all of you. He is the BVA coordinator now uh replacing Ellen White who served for many years uh with the outstanding service to the community. Uh Zach's going to be doing a little bit different role that we uh uh kind of are revisiting that we had in the past and he'll be uh splitting some of his duties between BVA coordination and acting as

the town's emergency management director. He has extensive service uh and experience with EMS services and advanced life support services. He was sworn in last week as the town's emergency management director and he'll be working with both Captain Haidash, Lieutenant Salvatore, and myself on uh ensuring that he comes up to speed on his new duties. Uh really glad to have him in that position. Um and I think we're going to find him to be uh an outstanding addition to DVA. Uh that's all I have for my report. Thank you very much. Any questions in the room? Any questions online? Well, that's a successful report when there's no questions. Wait, I'm I'm sorry. I have one question. Not too successful. And let me just just so you know, Council Mahan, I'm swiping where you can see the gallery. And for some odd reason, when you were not uh hand raised, you didn't even pop up on my screen. So, my apologies if if I don't see your hand, just uh uh uh for me. Okay. No problem. No problem. Thank you. I Madam Chair, you've always been very fair to me. All right, let's do it. Yeah. So, uh I I'm not sure if this uh may applies to this report, this month's report or next month's, but there uh was an incident with uh a resident concerning the uh town manager. Um I'm I'm not sure would would it be more appropriate to ask my questions next month or or this month? Uh you can go ahead and ask as long as I can answer it. Okay. Um I I just um when there are when there are complaints

uh from a resident uh regarding you know members of staff, more specifically the town manager um uh what is the typical uh response? What does a typical response look like from our uh police department? Um and and then I have a follow-up question afterwards. Well, so and then I'm sorry, just one one question. Today being the I don't even know. I'm away. So 16th 17th. Quick question for you before you answer that. Chief, was this incident uh reported in May or was it early June? I believe it was June. Okay. So that may address what you're why you're asking um Council Mahan. So cuz he's doing a May report out. So, but thank you for the question and my apologies. I just wanted to get a clarification on that. Chief, um, please give Mr. or counselor Mahan the answer to that question. Yes. So, if I understood the question correctly, and please uh tell me or correct me if I didn't, um, anytime a complaint is made to the police department, uh, it's investigated. So, in this case, uh, we had a resident um, who came to the police department uh, and made a complaint against, as you said, a senior town official. Uh it was assigned uh to one of my police officers as well as an officer who is in field training. One of the one of the two officers that I described to you. Um they interviewed uh the individual uh explained what the current law is regarding uh you know confrontation threatening complaints. Um and then they proceeded to interview the parties that were involved in that complaint. Um, at the end of the investigation, uh, the investigating officer found that there were no violations of Connecticut General Statutes. Uh, so they complete a a police report. They submit it to their

supervisor for review. Uh, in this case, the supervisor reviewed it as well as the patrol division commander. Um, and the case was closed as a result. It was documented fully. Um, and as uh you know that uh that case has been um requested through Freedom of Information and was released uh just this past week. Thank you, Chief. I appreciate that information and thank you, Councelor Mahan. Um Madam Chair, you have a follow-up question? I do. Thank you. Okay. Um so thank you very much for that answer, Chief. Um yeah, I I do have uh my follow-up question is in regards to um uh conflicting information and and interviews. Um how is that hand be? I I did review uh the tapes and I I watched all of it and there seemed to be conflicting information provided between the town clerk and uh what the town manager said and what the assistant to the town manager said. Seemed to be some conflict in terms of how the resident conducted himself. The town clerk stated that the resident conduct himself very respectfully. From what I know from this resident, he tends to conduct himself very respectfully, even at end points of disagreement. And trust me, he has not agreed with everything that I've done. Um yet the town manager and assistant to the town manager stated that this person was iate or um uh the exact terms was uh I think it was like a uh uh loud or mean old man or some me uh mean the small old man or something of the sort was said during uh the assistant town manager and

town manager's um interview. um what what happens in situations when there's conflicting um information given like in terms of that of accounts right right so well I hope you can appreciate in almost any uh investigation or any confrontation uh certainly this was a was initiated uh preliminarily as a criminal investigation to see if there was a violation of Connecticut state statute um in any situation everybody has a different perspective everybody sees these things differently. What the officers are trying to do is gather information from the from the witnesses and those involved to see if there was a violation of law. In this case, uh the officers determined that there was no probable cause to believe that the law was violated. So, what we do in that case is we just document everything. Um and as you know, there's now by state statute there's body camera footage of everything that occurs. um as well as the statements that the officers do their best to write down uh and try and capture the essence of of the complaint and what people saw and what people perceived. Now, in every situation, uh people see things differently. You know, you can go to a domestic violence call and the person being assaulted uh potentially sees things one way. Um, and the asalent many times will say, "I didn't do anything. I I didn't, you know, I didn't I didn't do that. I didn't do this." Um, so you always have different perspectives. Uh, the key here is to see if there was any violation of law. Uh, and in this case, there was not. Um, and the incident was documented and is is on file. Thank you, Chief. Um, and uh, hold on, let me go back because you guys know I'm switch I'm switching screens here from agenda back

to our Zoom. Councelor Cooper, any commentary? Any other questions online? Are there any questions in the room, Miss Rogers? No, ma'am. Okay. Thank you for the question, Councelor Mahan. Um, and Chief, most especially, I appreciate your general understanding for the public's um, understanding of how an investigation is conducted. Um, where does it start, what's done during the course of it, what you're trying to seek out. Um, so I appreciate that. Notwithstanding a bit more detail shared by Council Mahan, I think the essence is what happens when a complaint is made. And so you've made it clear that your job is to determine if there's any violation of Connecticut General Statute. And so I think you've well articulated that. And if there's any other questions, as I've said many times, I believe here in this subcommittee as well as on town council meetings, if there's something the public wants to know and they uh don't understand or want a little more context and color, freedom of information is always available. So, if there's any other questions about that, they certainly can come to you, chief. Um, or as has already been done, uh, receive a freedom of information. It it it it's very common practice that no one takes any exception to. So, thank you guys both. And as we continue, let me pull up my handy dandy agenda again. Thank you for moment. Thank you, sir. Yeah. Thank you guys. Moving on. Can we have a fire department update? I did see online uh an update from Center Fire. Do we have someone in the room or online? Yeah. Hi, Chief Barard here. Thank you, Chief Barard. My apologies. You have the floor. That's okay. No worries. Thank you. I appreciate it. Thanks. Um so, I just want to state too that I did uh make a a couple of additions to my report. There was a couple minor things that um I thought was worth mentioning that I did not have on the original

report, so I'm going to add those in. Awesome. Um, so for the month of May, we responded to 45 calls for service. Uh, we had three motor vehicle accidents, pretty minor in nature. Uh, one on unauthorized burn. Uh, two water calls, um, broken pipes, etc. in a house. Um, we also had a dual response to the Blue Hills District on May 6th to 580 Tower Avenue for an electrical odor um, in the building. Uh, the remainder of the calls were false alarms. The two additions I have are we had two calls on May 29th. One of which was a uh reported car fire next to the garage on 17 Foxchase Road. Um we ended up calling an engine from Blue Hills for Mutual aid. Um we had a report from the police department and I thank them for that that the car the engine compartment was um burning pretty good and that it was close to the garage. So that warranted starting an engine from Blue Hills just in case the fire had extended to the garage, which fortunately it did not. Also on the afternoon of May 29th, uh we had a dual response which brings both departments together um for a report of a person lighting toilet paper on fire on the second floor at 820 Park Avenue. Um that call ended up pretty much being unfounded, fortunately. Mhm. Uh, as far as projects, um, the new firehouse at 36060 Tungstas Avenue, we've been open and running for a few months out of there. Uh, we're still adding final touches to the inside of the building. Uh, the open house was planned for June 7th and was well attended. We we had a couple of very nice ceremonies throughout the day and we uh served refreshments to all that that joined us. Uh, community involvement. We attended the Memorial Day ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery with our color guard and several members in uniform. Uh I have to say that is it's always a pleasure to

march with the Bloomfield Police Department's color guard. Uh it was nice to see a great showing of people from the community up there. Uh we then marched together with the Blue Hills Fire Department in the annual Memorial Day parade and we were very proud to say the least to represent the war memorials at the town green at the ceremony afterwards. Um, our auxiliary hosted, they have the the cinnamon buns trailer um outside our new Company 3 firehouse. If anybody's been there, they know how delicious they are. Um, that was at the end of May and uh it was it was uh very well attended. Uh, as far as training, um, our training division is is upholding our members to the highest standard of training and keeping on top of the latest classes so we are prepared to serve the residents of the community in any emergency. Uh, and that concludes my report. Thank you. Thank you so much for what you guys continue to do to pour into our community on a daily basis, responding to calls, but as well your involvement in the community, the the extracurriculars, as I call it, um, as well as the police department as well as Blue Hills Fire who does the same. We really appreciate you guys presence. It really makes it a special event when you guys come out. No matter what the event, even in uh recognition of those fallen who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, you guys make it very special. We appreciate you. Thank you so much. I missed the cinnamon bun truck. Thank you. And my apologies. On June 7th, I believe I was out there uh on cleanup day getting high school prepared for um graduation. So, I missed your open house. I I so apologize. at 10 o'clock. I was knee deep in um wet grass and my trash bag. But you know what? I I I I enjoyed doing that as well. That was also a wonderful event. Thank you so much, Chief. If we could move over to Blue Hills Fire. Chief Jones, are you there? Yes, I'm here. Good evening, everyone. Uh for the month of May, the

Blue Hills Fire Department responded to 44 calls for service in which there are no major incidents uh in our district during that period. Uh most of the calls were activated fire alarms due to uh PE uh the alarm company working on the system, cooking or alarm malfunctions, motor vehicle accidents with injuries and fluids on the ground, and uh several natural gas odor calls. Uh Blue Hills Fire Department did respond to uh Bloomfield Center fire for one dual response and one mutual aid call as Chief Baron mentioned for a vehicle fire next to a structure on Foxchase Road. We did have an incident uh a chemical incident on Old Road that did require the assistance from uh Yukon Health Center Fire Department with their hazmat unit. uh they were there to provide uh decontamination services for the uh DEP team that entered the hot zone. Uh as I've been previously reporting, uh the new applicants continue to come in and show interest in joining our department. We have 10 volunteer firefighters who have signed up to take the next fire one class in the fall. And we also have two firefighters who've uh enrolled in the Q2 class that the Selffield Fire Department is hosting. And once they successfully complete this uh Q2 class, that's one of the first steps for them to be able to drive fire apparatus. And I'll just run down some of the training that we did for the month of May. Uh May 5th, we did a search and rescue uh training which 23 members participated in. May 12th, we had uh instructors from CNG uh conducting various uh training evolutions and scenarios. 19 members participated.

May 19th, we had a vehicle extrication which 16 members participated. Uh the Memorial Day parade, 17 members participated for community outreach. Uh May 12th, we uh participated in the Whittenberry Early Child Safety Day. There were 310 kids there. We handed out the coloring books, fire hats, and pencils. Uh May 17th, we participated at the First Cathedral Church Global 6K Walk for Water. Uh later on in the month we attended the Riley Group intern program which uh Deputy Chief Janai was one of their guest speakers. He spoke on careers in the fire service. Uh we had a mock fire fire drill at the correct river a autism school and uh on May 29th we paid our respects to uh one of our lifetime uh firefighters. His wife passed away. Uh we went over to pay our respects over at the Karman funeral home and uh as you all know we're we continue to uh put together the Junth weekend that's coming up this weekend. So um we hope everyone can uh come out and enjoy that. Uh that pretty much concludes my report. Thank you chief. If you could if you have the information um on Junth, Friday night is the kickoff, right? Yes. location. Uh it'll be uh behind Blue Hills Fire, 1021 Blue Hills Avenue. All right. And then Saturday is the parade kicking up. Yeah. And what time are you kicking off at Cathedral? Yes, at First Cathedral. All right. Setting up 9 to 9 to 11:00. Parade will get off. Step off around 11:00. Okay.

And then uh kind of a collective after the parade in the back of the firehouse, right? Yes. Okay. And then Sunday, I'm sadly missing the vendors and Yeah, the vendors in the craft the craft fair. Craft fair. And what time, chief? That'll start around noon time. Okay. I wanted to give particular attention to that since it's not uh a report from the past to make sure everybody was well reminded and know what and where. So, thank you for that. Are there any questions for Chief Jones? Blue Hills Fire. Any questions in the room? No. Any questions online? There you go. Council Mahan, this is the weirdest thing. I literally just swiped my screen because you weren't there. So, please, Council Mahan, take the floor. It's like uh Houdini. Yeah, exactly. But, uh not not a question, but just a comment saying I'm very much looking forward to the Juneen celebration. It's always uh a great thing uh for the community that weekend. Um, Bloomfield is definitely going to be a great place to be. So, uh, thank you very much for all your efforts putting together. I'm very much so looking forward to it. Good. Thank you. And I am very much saddened that I won't be there because I'm out of town. The last few years have been incredible. I mean, just every day. What an amazing celebration. Bloomfield, if you hear me, do not miss the opportunity to come out for one or all of those three days for the Juneenth celebration. Okay. And moving on to looking for my agenda again. People, please give me a little latitude. My apologies. All right. Um not sure if he's in the room because it's very small, but we do have a written report submitted by EMS chair Lou Bloomfeld. He's here for sharing that. Miss Rogers, thank you so

much. Um it does not appear to be a lengthy report, but their last meeting was held on May 21st. He's here, Cindy. He's here. Oh, okay. He I thought you said it's here, meaning the report. I do see it on the screen. Thank you so much, Mr. Bloomfield. Mr. Chair, please take the floor. Thank you. I will try to be brief in summarizing. Um the last EMS committee meeting was May 21st. Uh the standard review of uh BVA activities showed that BVA at the time was as usual running quite smoothly. Uh there were a couple of items of special interest. We've heard a couple couple of them already. Um, first, uh, as I noted in the report, uh, our longtime coordinator, Ellen White, uh, we learned was retiring. And I would note, having been around since the inception of BVA, uh, that Ellen was among the very best that we've had as coordinator. She will be missed and we owe her very much for her above and beyond performance of the position. At the same meeting, we also were introduced to Sergeant Clomberg, uh the newly assigned coordinator. As chief reported, uh we were introduced to him. We were pleased to learn of his extensive background in volunteer ambulance and related matters and his education in that area. Uh we were very impressed with him and look forward to what he will bring to BBA. We applaud the choice uh of Sergeant Clownberg and look forward to working with him. Uh the other report that we received is a little bit different. We were uh advised that the town finance director has determined that it's necessary for

the town to report incentive payments to volunteer EMTs as income and to give them 1099 uh forms and to these volunteers. So these are incentive payments that are given to volunteers to encourage them to work more shifts which of course is to the town's benefit both in terms of service and in terms of uh uh income. Uh the concern we have as a result of that is that this is effectively a or works a effectively a decrease in the incentive. Mhm. Um so this is something that the committee thinks is necessary to take a look into to see if we can remedy the effect of this uh effective decrease. Uh the committee will consider some options on how to do that. Whether it's greater amounts and some different approach uh has not been determined, but we will report back on that through appropriate channels once we've got some recommendation. Uh so more on that to come. Uh that's about it. The next meeting of the AMS committee regularly scheduled is September 8th. Thank you. Thank you so much for that report out. Um I I was not aware of that impact to the incentive for volunteer ambulance workers. So, I certainly look forward to um what you guys come up with as you determine or strategize on determining how to decrease this amount which is being taxed. And if you could please keep me in the loop, I would really appreciate that. I'd like to be a breast of these um activities going forward. Much appreciated. Certainly. Thank you.

Okay. Are there any questions? Any questions in the room? No. Okay. Any questions online? Yes, ma'am. Okay. You have the floor. Uh like you, Councelor Lloyd. Um I this is the first time that I'm hearing of this of the the adjustment and how um that incentive pay is being handled by the town. Um I think we should look at all remedies including uh reversing that policy and I I would also like to hear the rationale from the town as to why uh that has been adjusted. Did they provide you with any rationale? If I can answer that, what we were told is that the uh finance director had determined that that's what the law required. Um we're not challenging that. Assume that if that's what was concluded, there was a reason for it. Um we uh we will just look for ways to work around it. Hopefully the town will cooperate in our in in what we can come up with or what somebody else can come up with. I if if I could if I could address the question. Um Yes, Chief. Thank you. I believe the the concern from uh from Mr. Hill, the um finance director, sorry, the new term escapes me right now. um was that uh IRS regulations require compensation in excess of $600 annually. I believe that's the number uh be reported on a 1099. Um and that that had not previously been done um and that uh

it was his concern that going forward the town had to abide by that policy. Thank you for that clarification, Chief. Um yes, Council Mahan, I'll be looking into it. if you want to be CCD um just so we can kind of go back and find out what happened with the incident, get a um copy of the regulation per the IRS just to put our eyes on it and then hopefully be able to work with BVA to see how we can further incentivize these folks where they won't lose anything. Um I'm certainly welcome to circle you in. I think that we need to just like the fire department. Um, everything you guys do is for free and we take nothing away from the police department, but but you guys are really putting yourselves out there um helping people, pouring into the community, but also risking yourselves in in a myriad of ways. And so, if there's a way we can figure this out and remedy the reduction because of an IRS regulation, then I'm hoping we can find that remedy. So, yeah. Thank you. And uh if I if I may add, Madam Chair, I I I completely understand um if you know if we have to of course abide by an IRS regulation. So in that in that instance, we really can't avoid uh avoid this situation. So, um I I'm hoping that we can find a a swift remedy because as um uh as what was stated previously, um it is a great benefit to our town, our community for folks to take on more shifts. Um, and if that extra money served as um a bonus or incentive to get folks to take on more shifts, I mean, it sounds like something we may have to look into so that that benefit isn't

reduced for folks. So, yes, I would I would be more than happy to be included if if you um can, Madam Chair, uh loot me and I I'd greatly appreciate that. Okay, we'll do. Any other questions? Any other questions? Okay, we'll be moving on. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. One more question. My apologies. Um, have we heard anything anything came back on the the bids for BVA? I have not heard anything since we last met. Oh, thank you, Chief. Yes, the bid was awarded to the incumbent uh vendor uh AMR. Um, and the uh last I knew through uh Joe Maraca, our purchasing agent, uh the contract I believe has been signed and we are good to go. Awesome. Thank you for that question, Councelor Mahan. Thank you for the update, Chief. Thank you. I'm sorry that I forgot that it was uh I was pulling my report together very quickly this evening, so I apologize. No problem, Council Mahan. No worries. Yeah. Thank you very much for that answer, Chief. Do we know um and do we know if the terms are more or less favorable than our previous arrangement would be? I mean it's gone back to the incumbent. Are we under uh more or less favorable terms as a result? That I don't recall. I'd have to report back on uh to you on that uh and get the numbers from from Joe. Um, I do know that AMR was the low bidder uh on uh in the RFP. Um, and of course we've had a a a long-standing and very positive relationship with them. So, uh, we're very excited to continue that relationship going forward. Uh, and I

don't want to speak for the volunteers, but I think that they will they are and will be as well. Um, so, uh, that's positive. financially. Um, but I don't I I would have to get you the numbers to be accurate. I don't want to answer without being spot on for you. No worries. Thank you very much, Chief. Okay. Thank you both. And moving on, Conservation, Energy, and Environment Committee. Um, she's not here in person, but she did submit a report, and I can share it if you would like. Yes, if you please, Miss Rogers. Um, we just like to take a look at the report, do a quick overview knowing that these materials are available through the town website, but we would like to peek at it. Thank you so much. Okay, Conservation, Energy, and Environment Committee report, they have highlighted several uh key events. May 17th, uh 12,000 lbs, 40 bins, and take two electronic batteries in the uh shred day, which is always popular, took place 2719. November 2nd, 2024 in comparison was a little lower on the recycled electronics and batteries. It was a little higher, but to date, we're still, as you can see, November 2024, May 2024, 23. This is an event that has become very popular. We appreciate that the town has the capacity to continue offering this as a benefit for our residents. It was held at Bloomfield High May 17th and it continues to draw large crowds. And for those who are watching, if you don't come early, the receptacles may get full. So going forward, please pay attention to those announcements if you have things that need to be shredded, recycles, electronics turned in, and things of that nature. It's a very

popular event and a very valuable service that we here um in Bloomfield have afforded to us. And moving on, we're going to go to upcoming events June to October 2025 trees for Bloomfield photo contest registration. We have August 6 with BPL webinar 6:30 to 8:30, the dangers of extreme heat. Um which of course we are getting into that season. So that's going to be a very very valuable valuable event. Um, the CEC members are planning a webinar. They thought it would improve the content to reflect the knowledge and perspective of emergency personnel. Lou Bloomfield, EMS committee chair, kindly connected CEC with the new Bloomfield volunteer ambulance coordinator, Sergeant Zachary Clomberg, and who was very helpful. For more information and register for the webinar, there's a link and this will be available as well online with materials from this meeting in full. The CEC meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 to 6:30. Hybrid meeting format, so anyone can attend if you have electronic equipment, and we look forward to seeing you there. The next meeting is scheduled for July 10th, 2025. Are there any questions about the report? Okay. Thank you so much for chair Jones for submitting that report. And I believe we do have a report from Amy Cross, director of the West Harvard Bloomfield Health Department. Yes. Hold on. Thank you so much. It's on screen. Thank you. So measles has been a continuing conversation over the last few months. Um across the country there have been some noted breakouts of measles.

Fortunately in Connecticut as of last month there were none and if I'm reading there's three confirmed deaths, summer vacations and travel just around the corner. The district is going to continue to closely monitor this evolving situation. We're urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date, especially if planning international or domestic travel. The health district does offer the MMR vaccine for adults and children if needed. So, if you're determined that you need it from your doctor's office and maybe you can't get there, it takes sometimes a long time to get an appointment with a doctor. You can call the health department as well. So, I do thank the health department for sharing that information. In particular, like she said, when you're traveling internationally, um there's a map that gives us an idea of where the activity has been. And fortunately in Connecticut, we do not have any incidents. But please do be precautious. Um, keep up to date with your vaccinations if you choose to do so. If uh you or your family chooses not to be vaccinated, just use your precautions and be smart about your travel so that you can stay healthy. Um, I'm trying to see if there's anything else on that report, Miss Rogers. All right. Thank you. Some of the community initiatives, fall prevention and muscle strengthening, kicked off their ongoing fall prevention and muscle strengthening sessions on May 12th. Stay tuned for more opportunities to join those classes. I remember last month they had a an interesting name, fat blaster or something. I don't know. I'm being funny, but it really was. And I asked about it because I'm like, "Yep, I can benefit from that." So, do keep your eyes out if that's something you're interested in um in learning more about Bloomfield Windsor Youth Summit. They're proud to participate in the recent Youth Summit. They provided six scholarships for the youth counselor and training summer camp program. And prevention week

was May 14th. They had a busy busy prevention week con connecting with the community um at multiple locations. They were at the health resource fair. They had harm reduction materials and general health education resources at Kapakaco Plaza and the staff was also at the food pantry pickup providing health educational materials there. They're happy to announce they'll continue to be at that location moving forward. Upcoming events the the Nlloxxone training is coming up. How to save a life. for hosting the locks on training sessions at the district office on June 12th which is just passed and July 12th 10th coming up. Um the the Knox alone is available in many many public buildings. The police have it. Um so it's a really really really important thing to apprise yourself. Um, we have a lot of our residents and community, whether we're talking our Bloomfield or larger community that are struggling with issues that we do have intervention for if they come upon an emergency situation. So, that's a really, really valuable training and we thank you for continuing to pour into the community with that information. The third annual cancer prevention fair is going to be taking place on July 31st and that's at 3:30 Park Avenue and the Bloomfield Walking Club Partnership. Get ready to get moving. The staff is currently working to partner with senior services um fantastic Monday morning's walk-in club and there will be more in this collaboration in the future. I believe that ends the report for the Westford Bloomfield Health District. Is there anything I'm missing, Miss Rogers? No, mate. Okay. Are there any questions in the room about the health department update? No. Any questions online? Council Mahan, I don't see you. Raise no hands this time. No, no hands this time. I'm here still kicking. Okay.

All right. That's good. Thank you so much. Okay. Let me see what we have for our last agenda item. We have public comments. Is there anyone in the room for public comments? No. Anyone online for public comments? Okay. Before we move into the approval of minutes, do we still have councelor Cooper on the line? Yes. Okay, great. Council Cooper, can you hear me? I can. Okay, before we move into approval of the minutes, I just want to say thank you to everybody for for your continued hard work um updating the public on what you have uh going on as far as your continued efforts to pour into the community and keep us all safe. We thank you so very much and can't praise you enough for the work you do. Um, I wanted to there was another comment I wanted to mention. Um, also thanking everybody. Um, although some of the residents I'm sure have they've reached out to me um, but not in the room. That's why I asked for public comment. But we do thank them again for their hard work, their diligence, and their concerted efforts that helped us to come to this resolve. without you residents um pushing the issues and staying connected with the community as well as the town hall and the services that we provide, we would not be able to come up with collaborative conversations that lead to results. So, thank you again to the coalition. And do I have a motion to approve the minutes? Some moved. Second. Second. Thank you. All in favor? I I the motion carries. Thank you all so much. My apologies for the a little lag and delay here and there being remote, but I really appreciate you all and your support and thank you again. The next meeting is going to be the second Wednesday in July. Thank you all again.

Do I have a motion to adjurnn? Some move. Second. All right. All in favor? I. Motion carries. Thank you all. For those of you that are remote and traveling, have a safe ride home. And thank you to the listening public. Thank you, Bloomfield. Thank you.