Committee Report - Public Health - 2-8-11 — File 190824

February 8, 2011 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 2/9/2011 REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived William A. White Jr. Chair Present John M Connolly Vice Chair Absent Walter F. Pero Ward Four Alderman Present William M. Roche Ward One Alderman Present Rebekah L. Gewirtz Ward Six Alderman Present Thomas F. Taylor Ward Three Alderman Present Robert C. Trane Ward Seven Alderman Present Sean T. O’Donovan Ward Five Alderman Present Omar Boukili Administrative Assistant Present Kevin Kelleher Chief Fire Engineer Present Thomas Pasquarello Chief of Police Present Stan Koty DPW Commissioner Present Carol Antonelli Water Superintendent Present Cathy Levin Coordinator of Special Projects Present Dr. Daniel Fisher Present 190743 - That the Water Superintendent appear before this Board’s Committee on Public Health and Public Safety to discuss the recent letter to city residents concerning the water supply.: Ms. Antonelli explained that an error by the Union Square project contractor caused the problem. Ms. Antonelli also informed the members that the city’s water is tested weekly and she explained the notification process required to users. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 190750 - That this Board requests that the Administration, the Police and this Board’s Committee on Public Health and Safety coordinate with the National Empowerment Center on training police officers responding to situations involving people with mental illness.: Dr. Fisher spoke about his training program aimed at helping police officers to diffuse situations involving mentally ill individuals. The cost for the training is $60,000 and although Dr. Fisher

Committee Meeting February 8, 2011 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 2/9/2011 has never trained a police department, he believes that his certification is the best protection against lawsuits. When asked what board gives Dr. Fisher the authority to issue certifications, he replied that he has the backing and references of various groups. Chief Pasquarello stated that all police officers receive training on similar situations at the police academy. Alderman Pero's motion that the Administration consider including the Police Department training program offered by the National Empowerment Center in the FY-12 city budget, was approved. Alderman White's motion that the Administration examine the possibility of participating in a pilot program with the National Empowerment Center, was approved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 190752 - That the Chief Fire Engineer appear before this Board to report on any actions taken to avoid another situation with the fire hydrants like what happened on Fairfax Street.: The committee discussed the problem of locating and accessing fire hydrants that are covered and/or hidden by snow, and in some cases, by trash. Chief Kelleher stated that his department has a book listing the locations of all hydrants in the City and that firefighters are directed to shovel out hydrants after every storm. The Committee discussed the need for coordination when the DPW engages in snow removal operations. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 190759 - That the Chief of Police advise this Board of the overall training goals for all management personnel and patrol officers for the balance of the fiscal year.: Chief Pasquarello provided an overview of the Police Department's training budget, collective bargaining and bidding process, noting that continual training is necessary for police officers to perform their jobs effectively. There is little money remaining in his budget for additional training during this fiscal year. If training is required for new recruits, the money will have to come from other department line items. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED