This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

North Branford Town Council Denies New Police Vehicle Request

North Branford police representatives and dispatchers advocated in vain for the replacement of high mileage patrol cars at a special Town Council meeting.

North Branford Police Commission member Christopher Cozzi was in attendance with about a dozen other police officers, representatives and family members at the special Water Pollution Control Authority and regular Town Council meeting on Sept. 20. Their presence followed a discussion about the need for new police cars at the . 

"If you look at the number of vehicles we've got–about 16–nine or 10 of those are on their way to being over 100,000 miles," said Cozzi to the Council. "We havent purchased any vehicles this year. At this point, we look at cost of repairs, we look at age of vehicles, we look at miles–the serious concern is the amount of repairs we're doing."

Cozzi said that over the last 21 months, cost for maintenance on police vehicles stands at $41,000, coupled with a few thousand more for towing expenses.

Find out what's happening in North Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We're having problems with suspension, breaks, summertime air conditioning–it's not safe," Cozzi added. "Some of these guys are getting stuck out where they are at calls. Three vehicles were approved for this year and we're not sure where we stand with those now."

Council member Rose M. Angeloni stated that the North Branford Police Department has received five vehicles in the last three years.

Find out what's happening in North Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"And the statement that they're not safe–I don't think is a correct statement," she said. "It's my understanding that they're not putting unsafe vehicles on the road."

Deputy Mayor Michael J. Doody added, "Unfortunately, we expended all of our capital money. There's not a dime left. Even if we wanted to give you a car, we couldn't. The for emergency pagers and turnout gear for volunteer firefighters."

"So the cars are being put on hold?" asked Cozzi.

Coucilman Alfred Rose suggested that North Branford should adopt a car policy before purchasing any new vehicles.

"I'm told that anyone who takes a car home can use it for personal use and I've heard of North Branford police cars being seen on every corner of the state," said Rose. "That might not be good for the town. I'd like to see a discussion on a car policy first, especially with gas at $4 to $5 a gallon."

The council agreed that discussion of a car policy would be placed on the agenda for the council's next meeting. The chief of police department and police commissioner were invited to be there for the discussion.

The discussion was seemingly cut short as two speakers approached the council to speak. Troy Raccuia, Director of Organizing of the Connecticut Council of Police, began speaking about keeping the focus on the safety of dispatchers rather than on car policies. Mayor Anthony Candelora stopped Raccuia, saying that the issue had been moved to the agenda of the next council meeting.

Sewer Budget

The Special Water Pollution Control Authority portion of the meeting consisted of the council voting to adopt the Authority's sewer budget, which would establish a user fee of $375 for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

Channel 20

Individuals have expressed difficulty hearing Town Council meetings on Public Access Channel 20. Councilman Doody said the issue doesn't stem from the recording or microphones in Town Hall, but rather an issue with the Comcast cable converter boxes. There is not yet a resolution, but Doody will meet with the head of Totoket TV again to discuss the issue.

Brush Pick-Up

Town-wide brush pick up begins Monday, Sept. 26. All residents are encouraged to put brush and small tree limbs at the curb. Leaves are not being accepted. The pick-up will conincide roughly with regular trash routes. The schedule will be dependent upon bid rates. Contracted rates are reimbursable by FEMA. The bid for contractors went out on Wednesday, Sept. 21 and also extends to snow removal.

"That way, everything's in place if we need to use them and all prices will be stated ahead of time," said Angeloni.

The Town Council also discussed several issues on the education front. Article to follow.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?