Public Safety Commission (Fire Department) Meeting — September 14, 2026

The Public Safety Commission for the Fire Department convened on September 14, 2026. Note: The raw transcript states the meeting was held Monday, August 17, 2026, referencing July 1 as the overtime reporting start date and prior minutes from July 20, 2026; this date discrepancy is noted rather than resolved. Chief Albert delivered the monthly report, reviewed old and new business, and the commission approved the prior meeting minutes, a $125,000 Capital Nonrecurring (CNR) itemization referral to Finance and Government, and a $70,000 resolution for the training building. No members of the public spoke during either public hearing portion.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of July 20, 2026 meeting: Approved unanimously. The chair initially misspoke by saying "approve the agenda," corrected it to "approve the minutes," and the motion was seconded and passed with no discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• First public hearing: No speakers online or in person (Room 208); the hearing was closed.
• Reopened public hearing for other matters: No speakers online or in person; the hearing was closed.

Discussion Items

• Monthly report: Chief Albert reported 385 calls in July, a significant uptick, placing the department on pace for over 4,200 calls this year — about 400 more calls than normally expected. Highlights included a second-alarm fire on Spring Street, four South Fire callbacks, two Meredon [as transcribed] station coverages, and zero drone calls for the month.
• Wesleyan false-alarm ordinance: The department formally issued Wesleyan University a warning under the false fire alarm ordinance; the university requested a meeting to ask questions. The chief stated he must be "fair and equitable across the board" in enforcing the ordinance.
• SCBA grant application: Self-contained breathing apparatus air packs and bottles are up for renewal in about three years and are non-negotiable replacements when obsolete. The department is applying for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, the same source used in 2015, estimated at over half a million dollars. The chief intentionally applied early to allow reapplication in subsequent years if denied.
• Ambulance service and possible work stoppage: Hunter's Ambulance union sent the mayor a letter about a possible work stoppage, which the chief said was complete news to the department. He convened a meeting with Hartford Healthcare leadership, South Fire District, and Westfield Fire; Hartford Healthcare assured them contingencies were in place so an ambulance would always respond to 911 calls. A 10-day notice would be required before any stoppage. The chief also raised interoperability concerns, noting he cannot directly communicate with responding ambulances — a critical issue for active shooter or unsafe scenes.
• New hires: Four grant-funded new hires started on the meeting day. They will spend two weeks with the department, attend the academy, graduate around mid-December, and be sworn in before the holidays.
• Staffing and overtime: 18% of suppression staff are currently out, including one military leave, three workers' compensation cases, five FMLA leaves, and two light-duty assignments. Connecticut Paid Leave overtime is close to $20,000 from July 1 through the meeting date, and the chief described overtime as "very heavy."
• Training building: The training building is on order, with CAD modifications and change orders in progress. The location was moved to the Newfield Street/Mile Lane property, behind the police impound lot, to be secure and out of public sight. Emergency Director Cronenberger noted FEMA had inquired why the building — previously promised for that site — was not yet there. The department is seeking a Community Development Block Grant for site work so there is no financial burden from the budget, and a zoning approval is still needed. Previously awarded LOOSET [transcribed as "low set"] funds covering the training building were reduced by $100,000 to pay for the Cross Street water and roof leak.
• Cross Street station: Bidding is expected the first week of September; the bid will remain open 30 days, after which the winning bid will be awarded and work will begin.
• Dispatch update: The dispatch center has 19 dispatchers, a vacant position was posted online, and the new deputy started the prior week. Approximately 7,000 incidents have been recorded, including 2,600 total 901 [as transcribed; likely 911] calls and 5,900 routine calls.
• Council comments: Councilwoman Salatia described a medical call at Summer Hill apartments near her home where the responding ambulance could not find the entrance, suggesting some ambulances may struggle navigating the city. She reiterated the need for direct communication with responding ambulances, which she said she raised during the Hartford Healthcare meeting. A council member also asked who selected the Cross Street building committee; the chief responded that he brought the names forward and they were approved, then declined to explain further.

Key Outcomes

• CNR itemization referral: The commission voted to approve the $125,000 Capital Nonrecurring (CNR) itemization and move it forward to Finance and Government. The motion was made, seconded, and passed.
• Training building resolution: The commission passed a resolution to move $70,000 for the training building to Finance and Government. The motion was made, seconded, and passed with no discussion.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:02 PM.