Kulas Police Report Causes Heated Debate

When Public Safety Commission Chairman Joe Kochanek was presenting his report to the Monday night, Councilor Barbara Surwilo asked about the status of the state police report on the death of .  In April, it is believed that Kulas killed himself in his cruiser and Surwilo wanted to know why the town still had no answers on the incident.

Mayor Anthony LaRosa stated that the report has been released to the attorney and the family. However, the version of the report had not been completed for the town and it is unclear when the document would be made available to the council. Once the report is made available to the council, it would be discussed, possibly in executive session, LaRosa said.

Surwilo debated with the mayor and town manager that the document was public and as a councilor, she wanted to be informed on all updates with the report. The debate was heated at times and LaRosa got visibly upset on multiple occasions.

"I want to be aware when something like that lingers, and lingers and lingers," she stated. "I think it is incredible that it took that long."

Town Manager Barbara Gilbert told the council that the state police had met with the family for three hours on Dec. 20. She added that the council would have to decide how much of the report that they want released to the public.

"I think the family should have say in what is disseminated to the public," Gilbert said. She was also unclear if the report is a public document.

"I think it is imperative that this council know what happened," Surwilo reiterated.

Blight Ordinance

A rough draft of a new blight ordinance was presented to the members of the Public Safety Commission Monday night at their monthly meeting.

The ordinance is to remove unsafe and unsightly buildings in town, Kochanek said. The ordinance is being reviewed and no decision has been made at this time.

Missing House Numbers

One of the other items discussed at the Public Safety Commission meeting was the .

An ordinance was established that requires the numbers of any residence must be visible at all times from the street. Any building unit that is 75 feet away from the street must display the numbers on a mailbox, fence or post as well, the ordinance states. The numbers have to be on both sides of the mailbox. 

In a time of need, it is crucial for emergency responders to be able to tell the number of the home, Kochanek said in his report to the council. 

“I hope you know that was done for your benefit,” the former fire chief explained about the notices sent to homes about missing numbers.

Rocky Hill Volunteer Ambulance Association

The  gave a presentation to the Public Safety Commission and stated residents with financial problems are not calling them when they need assistance.

If a resident has insurance, the insurance company will pay the bill, according to Kochanek. If resident does not have insurance, the ambulance will work with them on payment. However, if a resident cannot afford the cost of the ambulance, the fee will be written off, he added.

“The service is there,” Kochanek said. “Please take advantage of the services that we provide you with.”

Speeding Sign

A speed sign that has been on France and Brook streets was also discussed at the meeting. The sign, which is being used on a trial basis, is to help slow down speeders. It is equipped with GPS and takes pictures of drivers who speed.

The Public Safety Commission meets the second Monday of every month in the Council Chambers at . The public is encouraged to attend.