Greenwich Roundup: Monday, September 8, 2008

Monday, September 8, 2008

09/08/09 Are Public Officials Really Worried About The Health And Safety Of Hamilton Ave Childrfen? - You Decide! - Get ready for a blizzard of emails

Brian -

I will be forwarding approximately 20 emails that have gone back and forth between me, the BOE, the Fire Chief, the Fire Marshall and others.

I will number each subject line, please read them in order. I truly believe that you will find some of them very interesting, but to get the whole picture you will need to read them all.

Print what ever you want and feel free to use my name.

Laura J. DiBella

Please send your comments to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com

#21 FW: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms

Laura J. DiBella

> Subject: RE: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms
> To: lauradibella@msn.com
> CC: betty_sternberg@greenwich.k12.ct.us ; joseph.benoit@greenwichct.org ; jwfox@greenwichct.org ; peter.tesei@greenwichct.org ; sue_wallerstein@greenwich.k12.ct.us
> From: Valerie.Maze@greenwichct.org
> Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2008 11:24:18 -0400
>
> Thank you Ms. Dibella,

> I was unfamiliar with your name and so inquired. Thank you for responding.
>

Please send your comments to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com

Concrete Grade School Fire Part 2

#20 FW: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms

Laura J. DiBella

RE: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms
To: lauradibella@msn.com
From: Peter.Siecienski@greenwichct.org
Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2008 10:58:49 -0400

Laura,

I am back today from vacation. Did you get any additional information from the Fire Marshal and have your concerns answered?

Pete

Peter J. Siecienski
Fire Chief
Greenwich Fire Department
75 Holly Hill Lane
Greenwich, Ct. 06830
203-622-3951

Please send your comments to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com

Concrete Grade School Fire Part 1

#19 FW: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms

Laura J. DiBella

From: lauradibella@msn.com
To: valerie.maze@greenwichct.org ; joseph.benoit@greenwichct.org
CC: sue_wallerstein@greenwich.k12.ct.us ; betty_sternberg@greenwich.k12.ct.us ; jwfox@greenwichct.org ; peter.tesei@greenwichct.org
Subject: RE: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms
Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2008 07:18:42 -0700

Ms. Maze Keeney

In answer to your question, I am a parent of two children who attend Hamilton Avenue School. I am an active volunteer at the School and in the community.

Who I am has absolutely no bearing on the allowable occupancy of the Multipurpose Room at the Modulars.

I find your question unprofessional.

Laura J. DiBella

Subject: Re: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms
To: Joseph.Benoit@greenwichct.org
CC: lauradibella@msn.com ; sue_wallerstein@greenwich.k12.ct.us ; Betty_sternberg@greenwich.k12.ct.us ; jwfox@greenwichct.org
From: Valerie.Maze@greenwichct.org
Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2008 09:27:59 -0400

Do we know who Ms. Dibella is?

Thanks

Please send your comments to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com

Lee High School Fire

#18 FW: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms

Laura J. DiBella

Please send your comments to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com

Dighton Middle School Fire

#17 FW: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms

Laura J. DiBella Contacts The State Of Connecticut About School Fire Protection For Hamilton Avenue School Children

Is The Town Of Greenwich Fire Department Strictly Following Connecticut State School Child Protection Laws?

From: lauradibella@msn.com
To: joseph.kingston@po.state.ct.us
Subject: FW: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2008 10:34:24 -0700

Mr. Kingston

Following are emails between myself and Fire Marshall Benoit. I thought they might be helpful to you.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Laura J. DiBella

From: lauradibella@msn.com
To: joseph.benoit@greenwichct.org
CC: sue_wallerstein@greenwich.k12.ct.us ; valerie.maze@greenwichct.org ; peter.siecienski@greenwichct.org ; peter.tesei@greenwichct.org
Subject: RE: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:13:40 -0700

Deputy Chief Benoit -

I thank you for your response.

Please be advised that I accompanied Chris Doyle during his inspection and was with him when he measured the multipurpose room. He did not, in fact, rely on information provided him by employees, he visually inspected the room in question.

Inspector Doyle utilized a rolling tape measure and measured the room by length and width, from wall to wall.

Inspector Doyle took notes, including what equipment was in the room, as well as the actual measurements.

Having done all of the above - it would appear that Inspector Doyle's numbers should have been higher than yours, thereby allowing an even higher occupancy.

I have very serious concerns regarding the difference between Inspector Doyle's numbers and yours.

Laura J. DiBella

Subject: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms
To: lauradibella@msn.com
> CC: sue_wallerstein@greenwich.k12.ct.us ; Valerie.Maze@greenwichct.org
From: Joseph.Benoit@greenwichct.org
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:07:18 -0400

Dear Ms. DiBella:

Inspector Doyle was not the Fire Marshal at any time.

The number of persons that he determined were allowed in the Multi Purpose room at the time he did an inspection, was based on information that was relayed to him by employees of the school. Specifically where food serving equipment was to be located and the furniture layout of the room. From that information and a measurement of the available space Inspector Doyle determined that was the allowable occupancy.

I do not know what measurements he took nor do I know the points that those measurements were taken from.

I went to the modular classroom building on June 10, 2008 at 1430 hours at the request of Donald Strang then acting principal of the Glenville School.

I was requested to go there specifically to inspect the Multi Purpose Room
> of the facility. The room was vacant of any furniture or service equipment at the time I was there. It was obvious to me based on indentations in the floor covering where the food service equipment had been located.

Don Strang and others that were present confirmed that the marks on the floor were from the food service equipment, and that the same equipment would be returned to the room at a later date, and placed in the same locations.

Based on that information and a 100' tape measure I measured the room by length and by width up to the area that would be taken up by the food service equipment.

I do not recall what the specific measurements were and I did not take notes.

Whatever measurements of length X width totaled out to be were divided by fifteen square foot per person. The number 15 square feet per person is derived form the Connecticut Fire Safety Code specifically under
the chapter that deals with "Places of Assembly". That 15 square foot per
person number is what the Fire Code has set as the allowable per person
area when calculated for tables and chairs.

Whatever the net square footage number was on June 10, 2008 when divided by 15 square foot per person came out to 69. something, which was then rounded up to 70.

That number 70 determined that the Multi Purpose Room at the modular classrooms could safely be occupied by that number of persons, when the room was being used as a cafeteria.

The room if used in a more concentrated use such as a lecture room, utilizing folding chairs could safely hold almost twice that number of people, again as per the requirements of the Connecticut Fire Safety Code.

I am confident that the measurements that I took on June 10, 2008 are accurate and that the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms may safely be occupied by up to 70 persons when used in a cafeteria arrangement.

Should you have any additional questions please contact me directly.

Thank you.

Joseph H. Benoit, Jr.
Deputy Chief/ Fire Marshal

Please See:

Employee Insubordination - Reviewing the reviews Employees eye ...

28 Nov 2007 by admin

Greenwich Time - On the first day of termination hearings for Fire Marshal Joseph Benoit, John Margenot Jr. took a seat next to his fellow Lash to seek Benoit's ouster, according to Stephanie Paulmeno, director of community health planning and a town employee More ...

Employee Termination Agreements Made Easy - http://www-employeetermination.com/blog

Filed under Lay Off Employee

Please send your comments to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com

Eastern Guilford High School Fire

#16 FW: Hamilton Ave. Modulars

Laura J. DiBella Contacts

Joseph Kinsington

From: joseph.kingston@po.state.ct.us
To: lauradibella@msn.com
Subject: Hamilton Ave. Modulars
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2008 11:32:03 -0400

Dear Ms. Dibella

We have received your e-mail of August 27, 2008 and will be looking into the issues you raised. We will be contacting Greenwich Fire Marshal J.Benoit for his input.

Joseph Kingston

CT Office of the State Fire Marshal

1111 Counrty Club Road

Middletown,

CT 06457

Tel 860-685-8350

Fax 860-685-8359

Please send your comments to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com

Castleford High School Fire 2

#15 FW: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms

Deja Vu All Over Again....

Paperwork Problems At Hamilton Avenue Modular Classrooms: Joseph Benoit doesn't recall and didn't take notes

Benoit Will Blame School Principal Don Strange And Other School Officials For Giving Incorrect Information If A Small Child Gets Hurt Or Is Killed.

These email addresses have been put on notice of an improper fire inspection at a publc school:

sue_wallerstein@greenwich.k12.ct.us valerie.maze@greenwichct.org peter.siecienski@greenwichct.org peter.tesei@greenwichct.org

From: lauradibella@msn.com
To: joseph.benoit@greenwichct.org
CC: sue_wallerstein@greenwich.k12.ct.us; valerie.maze@greenwichct.org; peter.siecienski@greenwichct.org; peter.tesei@greenwichct.org
Subject: RE: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:13:40 -0700

Deputy Chief Benoit -

I thank you for your response.

Please be advised that I accompanied Chris Doyle during his inspection and was with him when he measured the multipurpose room. He did not, in fact, rely on information provided him by employees, he visually inspected the room in question.

Inspector Doyle utilized a rolling tape measure and measured the room by length and width, from wall to wall.

Inspector Doyle took notes, including what equipment was in the room, as well as the actual measurements.

Having done all of the above - it would appear that Inspector Doyle's numbers should have been higher than yours, thereby allowing an even higher occupancy.

I have very serious concerns regarding the difference between Inspector Doyle's numbers and yours.

Laura J. DiBella

Subject: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms
To: lauradibella@msn.com
CC: sue_wallerstein@greenwich.k12.ct.us ; Valerie.Maze@greenwichct.org
From: Joseph.Benoit@greenwichct.org
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:07:18 -0400

Dear Ms. DiBella:

Inspector Doyle was not the Fire Marshal at any time.

The number of persons that he determined were allowed in the Multi Purpose room at the
> time he did an inspection, was based on information that was relayed to him by employees of the school. Specifically where food serving equipment was to be located and the furniture layout of the room. From that information and a measurement of the available space Inspector Doyle determined that was the allowable occupancy.

I do not know what measurements he took nor do I know the points that those measurements were taken from.

I went to the modular classroom building on June 10, 2008 at 1430 hours at the request of Donald Strang then acting principal of the Glenville School. I was requested to go there specifically to inspect the Multi Purpose Room of the facility.

The room was vacant of any furniture or service equipment.

It was obvious to me based on indentations in the floor covering where the food service equipment had been located.

Don Strang and others that were present confirmed that the marks on the floor were from the food service equipment, and that the same equipment would be returned to the room at a later date, and placed in the same locations.

Based on that information and a 100' tape measure I measured the room by length and by width up to the area that would be taken up by the food service equipment.

I do not recall what the specific measurements were and I did not take notes.

Whatever measurements of length X width totaled out to be were
> divided by fifteen square foot per person. The number 15 square feet per person is derived form the Connecticut Fire Safety Code specifically under the chapter that deals with "Places of Assembly". That 15 square foot per person number is what the Fire Code has set as the allowable per person area when calculated for tables and chairs.

Whatever the net square footage number was on June 10, 2008 when divided by 15 square foot per person came out to 69. something, which was then rounded up to 70.

That number 70 determined that the Multi Purpose Room at the modular classrooms could safely be occupied by that number of persons, when the room was being used as a cafeteria. The room if used in a more concentrated use such as a lecture room, utilizing folding chairs could safely hold almost twice that number of people, again as per the requirements of the Connecticut Fire Safety Code.

I am confident that the measurements that I took on June 10, 2008 are accurate and that the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms may safely be occupied by up to 70 persons when used in a cafeteria arrangement.

Should you have any additional questions please contact me directly.

Thank you.

Joseph H. Benoit, Jr.
Deputy Chief/ Fire Marshal

Please See:

Selectmen Briefed by Town Attorneys; Transparent Government is Key

17 Dec 2007

By Anne W. Semmes

... Fire Marshal Joseph Benoit); with pending litigation or claims discussion; for matters of security or in purchasing real estate that would impact the price; or for discussing records exempt from disclosure from the FOI Act. ...

Right to Know Coalition of Nova Scotia - http://nsrtk.blogspot.com/

Please send your comments to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com

Castleford High School Fire 1

#13 FW: Modular Multipurpose Room Occupancy Determination

Laura J. DiBella

> Subject: RE: Modular Multipurpose Room Occupancy Determination
> To: lauradibella@msn.com
> From: Peter.Siecienski@greenwichct.org
> Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:22:22 -0400
>
> Laura,
>
> I will speak once again to the Fire Marshal, he had assured me of a
> response yesterday. He will be in at 8:30.
>
> Pete
>
> Peter J. Siecienski
> Fire Chief
> Greenwich Fire Department
> 75 Holly Hill Lane
> Greenwich, Ct. 06830
> 203-622-3951
>

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#14 FW: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms

Laura J. DiBella

> Subject: Allowable occupancy of the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms
> To: lauradibella@msn.com
> CC: sue_wallerstein@greenwich.k12.ct.us; Valerie.Maze@greenwichct.org
> From: Joseph.Benoit@greenwichct.org
> Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:07:18 -0400
>
>
> Dear Ms. DiBella:
>
> Inspector Doyle was not the Fire Marshal at any time. The number of
> persons that he determined were allowed in the Multi Purpose room at the
> time he did an inspection, was based on information that was relayed to him
> by employees of the school. Specifically where food serving equipment was
> to be located and the furniture layout of the room. From that information
> and a measurement of the available space Inspector Doyle determined that
> was the allowable occupancy. I do not know what measurements he took nor
> do I know the points that those measurements were taken from.
>
> I went to the modular classroom building on June 10, 2008 at 1430 hours at
> the request of Donald Strang then acting principal of the Glenville School.
> I was requested to go there specifically to inspect the Multi Purpose Room
> of the facility. The room was vacant of any furniture or service equipment
> at the time I was there. It was obvious to me based on indentations in the
> floor covering where the food service equipment had been located. Don
> Strang and others that were present confirmed that the marks on the floor
> were from the food service equipment, and that the same equipment would be
> returned to the room at a later date, and placed in the same locations.
> Based on that information and a 100' tape measure I measured the room by
> length and by width up to the area that would be taken up by the food
> service equipment.
>
> I do not recall what the specific measurements were and I did not take
> notes. Whatever measurements of length X width totaled out to be were
> divided by fifteen square foot per person. The number 15 square feet per
> person is derived form the Connecticut Fire Safety Code specifically under
> the chapter that deals with "Places of Assembly". That 15 square foot per
> person number is what the Fire Code has set as the allowable per person
> area when calculated for tables and chairs. Whatever the net square
> footage number was on June 10, 2008 when divided by 15 square foot per
> person came out to 69. something, which was then rounded up to 70. That
> number 70 determined that the Multi Purpose Room at the modular classrooms
> could safely be occupied by that number of persons, when the room was being
> used as a cafeteria. The room if used in a more concentrated use such as
> a lecture room, utilizing folding chairs could safely hold almost twice
> that number of people, again as per the requirements of the Connecticut
> Fire Safety Code.
>
> I am confident that the measurements that I took on June 10, 2008 are
> accurate and that the Multi Purpose Room at the Modular Classrooms may
> safely be occupied by up to 70 persons when used in a cafeteria
> arrangement.
>
> Should you have any additional questions please contact me directly.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Joseph H. Benoit, Jr.
> Deputy Chief/ Fire Marshal
>

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#11 FW: Modular Multipurpose Room Occupancy Determination

Laura J. DiBella

> Subject: Re: Modular Multipurpose Room Occupancy Determination
> To: lauradibella@msn.com
> From: Peter.Siecienski@greenwichct.org
> Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:25:47 -0400
>
> Laura,
>
> As a follow up to the issues you have previously brought to my attention.
> If you do not get a timely response (today) from the Fire Marshal, please
> let me know.
>
> While I do not enforce the Life Safety Code by Statute, I have been
> lecturing on it for years and would be happy to meet with you to discuss
> your concerns.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Pete
>
> Peter J. Siecienski
> Fire Chief
> Greenwich Fire Department
> 75 Holly Hill Lane
> Greenwich, Ct. 06830
> 203-622-3951
>
>
>
> Laura DiBella
> <lauradibella@msn
> .com> To
> "peter.siecienski@greenwichct.org"
> 08/27/2008 09:56 <peter.siecienski@greenwichct.org>
> AM cc
> Betty Sternberg
> <betty_sternberg@greenwich.k12.ct.u
> s>, Peter Tesei
> <peter.tesei@greenwichct.org>
> Subject
> Modular Multipurpose Room Occupancy
> Determination
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Dear Chief -
>
> I hoping you can help clear up some confusion.
>
> Back in March, Chris Doyle, Fire Marshall, came to the Ham Ave modulars to
> inspect. At that time, he measured the Multipurpose Room with his
> equipment and calculated the number of occupants for that room. I sat with
> him and had him explain the process to me. At that time, he determined
> that the maximum number of occupants was 50.
>
> Now, Joe Benoit, current Fire Marshall, has upped that number of occupants
> to 70. If they both used the State mandated formula, why is there such a
> discrepancy?
>
> I await your answer.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Laura J. DiBella
>
>
> See what people are saying about Windows Live. Check out featured posts.
> Check It Out!
>

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#10 FW: Modular Multipurpose Room Occupancy Determination

Laura J. DiBella

> Subject: Re: Modular Multipurpose Room Occupancy Determination
> To: lauradibella@msn.com
> CC: betty_sternberg@greenwich.k12.ct.us; peter.tesei@greenwichct.org
> From: Peter.Siecienski@greenwichct.org
> Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:43:34 -0400
>
> Laura,
>
> As noted previously, The Fire Marshal enforces the Life Safety Code. I will
> forward your question directly to Fire Marshal Benoit.
>
> Thank you for your interest in Life Safety.
>
> Peter J. Siecienski
> Fire Chief
> Greenwich Fire Department
> 75 Holly Hill Lane
> Greenwich, Ct. 06830
> 203-622-3951
>
>
>
> Laura DiBella
> <lauradibella@msn
> .com> To
> "peter.siecienski@greenwichct.org"
> 08/27/2008 09:56 <peter.siecienski@greenwichct.org>
> AM cc
> Betty Sternberg
> <betty_sternberg@greenwich.k12.ct.u
> s>, Peter Tesei
> <peter.tesei@greenwichct.org>
> Subject
> Modular Multipurpose Room Occupancy
> Determination
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Dear Chief -
>
> I hoping you can help clear up some confusion.
>
> Back in March, Chris Doyle, Fire Marshall, came to the Ham Ave modulars to
> inspect. At that time, he measured the Multipurpose Room with his
> equipment and calculated the number of occupants for that room. I sat with
> him and had him explain the process to me. At that time, he determined
> that the maximum number of occupants was 50.
>
> Now, Joe Benoit, current Fire Marshall, has upped that number of occupants
> to 70. If they both used the State mandated formula, why is there such a
> discrepancy?
>
> I await your answer.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Laura J. DiBella
>
>
> See what people are saying about Windows Live. Check out featured posts.
> Check It Out!
>

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#12 FW: Modular Multipurpose Room Occupancy Determination

Laura J. DiBella

From: lauradibella@msn.com
To: peter.siecienski@greenwichct.org
Subject: RE: Modular Multipurpose Room Occupancy Determination
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:07:51 -0700
>
Chief -

I hate to bother you, but it is now 8pm and I have not received a response.

Tell me what I should do.

Thanks,

Laura J. DiBella

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#8 FW: Question re: occupancy at Hamilton Avenue Modulars, Greenwich CT

Brian -the following email is in response to an on-line email form I filed with the Office of Fire Management at the State Level.

Laura J. DiBella

From: lauradibella@msn.com
To: osfm.engineer@po.state.ct.us
CC: dortoli@yahoo.com; jlevine@sgtlaw.com; rdequeker@hotmail.com; tmjtb@verizon.net; jabdo67@optonline.net; bica621@aol.com; donnaf4@optonline.net; mpdarling@yahoo.com; freckles76@aol.com; kerrydu@aol.com; cheryl1021@optimum.net; tandersenc@aol.com; clchorch@optonline.net; beth@insurexchg.com; gvd68@aol.com; mikenjacki@aol.com
Subject: Question re: occupancy at Hamilton Avenue Modulars, Greenwich CT
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:12:01 -0700

Dear Fire Marshall -

I am looking to you for clarification on an issue of occupancy at Hamilton Ave School Modulars in Greenwich, CT.

In March of this year, Greenwich Fire Marshall Chris Doyle, inspected the modulars. He measured the Multipurpose Room for maximum occupancy. I sat with Mr. Doyle and he explained the formula and process he used to determine that this particular room had a maximum occupancy of 50.

Mr. Doyle retired as Greenwich Fire Marshall and was replaced by returning Fire Marshall Joe Benoit.

Now, Fire Marshall Joe Benoit has declared the occupancy of this room to be 70.

I have requested an explanation of the discrepancy and to date have received no reply.

This is an elementary school situation where the multipurpose room is utilized as an assembly space, cafeteria, instruction room and meeting hall.

In addition to the occupancy issue, the emergency egress window from this room feeds out directly on top of the main gas line for this facility. The parents issued concerns in February of this year which is what prompted the March 1st inspection. We have been told that the fencing surrounding this gas line will be kept unlocked so as to make it safer for those that must use the egress window in the event of an emergency.

As Mr. Doyle explained to me there was not much that could be done to correct this emergency egress situation,

My questions are:

Why is there a discrepancy in the maximum occupancy; and

With the emergency egress window feeding into a fenced- in gas line, wouldn't it be prudent to have this room's maximum occupancy lower than the standard?

I would appreciate your prompt reply.

Sincerely,

Laura J. DiBella

Parent

203-861-2766

Laura J. DiBella

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#9 FW: No answer to my questions yet

Laura J. DiBella

> Subject: Re: No answer to my questions yet
> To: LauraDiBella@msn.com
> From: Peter.Siecienski@greenwichct.org
> Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:28:02 -0400
>
> Laura,
>
> I have been away on business, I will check this morning.
>
> Peter J. Siecienski
> Fire Chief
> Greenwich Fire Department
> 75 Holly Hill Lane
> Greenwich, Ct. 06830
> 203-622-3951
>
>
>
> "Laura DiBella"
> <LauraDiBella@msn
> .com> To
> "Peter J. Siecienski"
> 08/26/2008 10:32 <psiecienski@greenwichct.org>
> AM cc
>
> Subject
> No answer to my questions yet
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Chief - I have yet to receive any answers to my questions that I sent to
> you in an email. You forwarded them to the appropriate fire personnel. Any
> chance you can help me get those answers before the end of business today?
> Thanks, Laura DiBella.
>

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#6 FW: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars

Laura J. DiBella

From: lauradibella@msn.com
To: betty_sternberg@greenwich.k12.ct.us
CC: peter.tesei@greenwichct.org; damaris_rau@greenwich.k12.ct.us; william.marr@greenwichct.org; jcohen@ticc.com; michaelbodson@yahoo.com; lesliemorarity@gmail.com; nvoye@aol.com; mpclake@optonline.net; sellis6@optimum.net; andersonsb@optonline.net; nqueen124@aol.com; jlevine@sgtlaw.com; kborsuk@greenwich-post.com; furano11@verizon.net; dbn3793@msn.com; rdequeker@hotmail.com; tmjtb@verizon.net; jabdo67@optonline.net; bica621@aol.com; donnaf4@optonline.net; mpdarling@yahoo.com; freckles76@aol.com; kerrydu@aol.com; cheryl1021@optimum.net; tandersenc@aol.com; clchorch@optonline.net; beth@insurexchg.com; gvd68@aol.com; mikenjacki@aol.com
Subject: RE: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:14:51 -0700
>
Dr. Sternberg,

With all due respect, these answers need to be made available PRIOR to the meeting at the open house on August 26th. School starts the next day.

I very clearly stated that at the end of my email.

Laura J. DiBella

> Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:23:14 -0400
> Subject: Re: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars
> To: lauradibella@msn.com
> CC: peter.tesei@greenwichct.org; Damaris_Rau@greenwich.k12.ct.us; william.marr@greenwichct.org; jcohen@ticc.com; michaelbodson@yahoo.com; lesliemorarity@gmail.com; nvoye@aol.com; mpclake@optonline.net; sellis6@optimum.net; andersonsb@optonline.net; nqueen124@aol.com; jlevine@sgtlaw.com; kborsuk@greenwich-post.com; furano11@verizon.net; dbn3793@msn.com; rdequeker@hotmail.com; tmjtb@verizon.net; jabdo67@optonline.net; bica621@aol.com; donnaf4@optonline.net; mpdarling@yahoo.com; freckles76@aol.com; kerrydu@aol.com; cheryl1021@optimum.net; tandersenc@aol.com; clchorch@optonline.net; beth@insurexchg.com; gvd68@aol.com; mikenjacki@aol.com
> From: Betty_Sternberg@greenwich.k12.ct.us
>
> Dear Mrs. DiBella,
>
> We are working on the answers to your questions and will have them ready
> in time for the meeting Dr. Rau is having with parents early next week.
>
> Betty
>
> Dr. Betty J. Sternberg
> Superintendent of Schools
> 290 Greenwich Avenue
> Greenwich, CT 06830
> Tel: (203) 625-7425
> FAX:(203) 618-9379
> Betty_Sternberg@greenwich.k12.ct.us
> www.greenwichschools.org
>
>
>

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#7 FW: Modular Multipurpose Room Occupancy Determination

Laura J. DiBella

From: lauradibella@msn.com
To: peter.siecienski@greenwichct.org
CC: betty_sternberg@greenwich.k12.ct.us; peter.tesei@greenwichct.org
Subject: Modular Multipurpose Room Occupancy Determination
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:56:54 -0700
>
Dear Chief -

I hoping you can help clear up some confusion.

Back in March, Chris Doyle, Fire Marshall, came to the Ham Ave modulars to inspect. At that time, he measured the Multipurpose Room with his equipment and calculated the number of occupants for that room. I sat with him and had him explain the process to me. At that time, he determined that the maximum number of occupants was 50.

Now, Joe Benoit, current Fire Marshall, has upped that number of occupants to 70. If they both used the State mandated formula, why is there such a discrepancy?

I await your answer.

Thank you,

Laura J. DiBella

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#5 FW: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars

Laura J. DiBella

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#4 FW: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars

Laura J. DiBella

From: lauradibella@msn.com
To: peter.siecienski@greenwichct.org
Subject: RE: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:40:48 -0700

Chief -

Thank you for your prompt reply and the information that you shared. I truly appreciate it.

Laura J. DiBella

> Subject: Re: FW: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars
> To: lauradibella@msn.com
> CC: Joseph.Benoit@greenwichct.org
> From: Peter.Siecienski@greenwichct.org
> Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:23:37 -0400
>
> Dear Ms. DiBella,
>
> Thank you for inquiry as to information requested on the noted modulars. As
> you may or may not be aware the statutory responsibility for those life
> safety inspections rests with the Fire Marshal Division. I will forward the
> request to Fire Marshal Joe Benoit.
>
> I do know that Fire Marshal Benoit and his staff have been working
> diligently on continued compliance inspections and insuring egress is
> continuously maintained unobstructed.
>
> Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have additional
> concerns.
>
> Peter J. Siecienski
> Fire Chief
> Greenwich Fire Department
> 75 Holly Hill Lane
> Greenwich, Ct. 06830
> 203-622-3951
>
>
>
> Laura DiBella
> <lauradibella@msn
> .com> To
> <peter.siecienski@greenwichct.org>
> 08/22/2008 11:09 cc
> AM
> Subject
> FW: Questions and information
> needed regarding the Modulars
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> I forgot to include you in the original mailing. My apologies.
>
> Laura J. DiBella
>
> From: lauradibella@msn.com
> To: peter.tesei@greenwichct.org; betty_sternberg@greenwich.k12.ct.us;
> damaris_rau@greenwich.k12.ct.us; william.marr@greenwichct.org;
> jcohen@ticc.com; michaelbodson@yahoo.com; lesliemorarity@gmail.com;
> nvoye@aol.com; mpclake@optonline.net; sellis6@optimum.net;
> andersonsb@optonline.net; nqueen124@aol.com
> CC: jlevine@sgtlaw.com; kborsuk@greenwich-post.com; furano11@verizon.net;
> dbn3793@msn.com; rdequeker@hotmail.com; tmjtb@verizon.net;
> jabdo67@optonline.net; bica621@aol.com; donnaf4@optonline.net;
> mpdarling@yahoo.com; freckles76@aol.com; kerrydu@aol.com;
> cheryl1021@optimum.net; tandersenc@aol.com; clchorch@optonline.net;
> beth@insurexchg.com; gvd68@aol.com; mikenjacki@aol.com
> Subject: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars
> Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:55:42 -0700
>
> Ladies and Gentlemen -
>
> Since the Hamilton Avenue school children will, most unfortunately, be
> returning to the modulars, there are still outstanding questions that need
> to be asked and information that needs to be shared with the public, at
> large, regarding the modulars.
>
> First question - Why is the replacement trellis skirt not fully around the
> building? Why is the skirt still solid material on the side of the
> building up against the hill? Both inspectors, the BOE's and the parents',
> stated that the entire skirt area needs to be open for circulation to
> hinder the growth of mold.
>
> Second Question - Why were the contents of the pods put into the modulars
> prior to the release of the content testing results? As referenced at a
> recent BOE meeting by Leslie Moriarty, contents in one pod, at least,
> showed significant levels of mold. What are those results, what was tested
> and how was remediation accomplished?
>
> Third Question - Have fired code inspections been done on the remediated
> modulars? What is the official occupancy limit of the Multipurpose Room?
> Is that occupancy prominently posted?
>
> Fourth Question - Have building inspections by the Town of Greenwich been
> done on the remediated modulars? Will those results be posted publicly?
>
> Fifth Question - Will there be a storage pod left on site in addition to
> the small storage shed for overflow contents, gym equipment and supplies
> not needed immediately? The school community has asked for this since the
> completion of the modulars as there is truly not enough storage in the
> modulars.
>
> Sixth Question - Has the Modular Tools for Schools Committee been formed?
> Who are the members of this committee. Is this committee receiving the
> necessary training to perform their duties? What is the meeting schedule
> for this committee?
>
> The community requests answers to these questions, prior to the scheduled
> open house on August 26th. These are very real concerns and expedient
> answers are needed.
>
> Respectfully yours,
>
> Laura J. DiBella
>
>
> Talk to your Yahoo! Friends via Windows Live Messenger. Find Out How
> Talk to your Yahoo! Friends via Windows Live Messenger. Find Out How
> Get ideas on sharing photos from people like you. Find new ways to share.
> Get Ideas Here!
>

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#2 FW: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars

Laura J. DiBella

From: lauradibella@msn.com
To: peter.siecienski@greenwichct.org
Subject: FW: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:09:02 -0700
>

I forgot to include you in the original mailing. My apologies.

Laura J. DiBella

From: lauradibella@msn.com
To: peter.tesei@greenwichct.org; betty_sternberg@greenwich.k12.ct.us; damaris_rau@greenwich.k12.ct.us; william.marr@greenwichct.org; jcohen@ticc.com; michaelbodson@yahoo.com; lesliemorarity@gmail.com; nvoye@aol.com; mpclake@optonline.net; sellis6@optimum.net; andersonsb@optonline.net; nqueen124@aol.com
CC: jlevine@sgtlaw.com; kborsuk@greenwich-post.com; furano11@verizon.net; dbn3793@msn.com; rdequeker@hotmail.com; tmjtb@verizon.net; jabdo67@optonline.net; bica621@aol.com; donnaf4@optonline.net; mpdarling@yahoo.com; freckles76@aol.com; kerrydu@aol.com; cheryl1021@optimum.net; tandersenc@aol.com; clchorch@optonline.net; beth@insurexchg.com; gvd68@aol.com; mikenjacki@aol.com
Subject: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:55:42 -0700

Ladies and Gentlemen -

Since the Hamilton Avenue school children will, most unfortunately, be returning to the modulars, there are still outstanding questions that need to be asked and information that needs to be shared with the public, at large, regarding the modulars.

First question - Why is the replacement trellis skirt not fully around the building? Why is the skirt still solid material on the side of the building up against the hill? Both inspectors, the BOE's and the parents', stated that the entire skirt area needs to be open for circulation to hinder the growth of mold.

Second Question - Why were the contents of the pods put into the modulars prior to the release of the content testing results? As referenced at a recent BOE meeting by Leslie Moriarty, contents in one pod, at least, showed significant levels of mold. What are those results, what was tested and how was remediation accomplished?

Third Question - Have fired code inspections been done on the remediated modulars? What is the official occupancy limit of the Multipurpose Room? Is that occupancy prominently posted?

Fourth Question - Have building inspections by the Town of Greenwich been done on the remediated modulars? Will those results be posted publicly?

Fifth Question - Will there be a storage pod left on site in addition to the small storage shed for overflow contents, gym equipment and supplies not needed immediately? The school community has asked for this since the completion of the modulars as there is truly not enough storage in the modulars.

Sixth Question - Has the Modular Tools for Schools Committee been formed? Who are the members of this committee. Is this committee receiving the necessary training to perform their duties? What is the meeting schedule for this committee?

The community requests answers to these questions, prior to the scheduled open house on August 26th. These are very real concerns and expedient answers are needed.

Respectfully yours,

Laura J. DiBella

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#3 FW: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars

Laura J. DiBella

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#1 FW: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars

Laura J. DiBella

From: lauradibella@msn.com
To: peter.tesei@greenwichct.org ; betty_sternberg@greenwich.k12.ct.us ; damaris_rau@greenwich.k12.ct.us ; william.marr@greenwichct.org ; jcohen@ticc.com ; michaelbodson@yahoo.com ; lesliemorarity@gmail.com ; nvoye@aol.com ; mpclake@optonline.net ; sellis6@optimum.net ; andersonsb@optonline.net ; nqueen124@aol.com
CC: jlevine@sgtlaw.com ; kborsuk@greenwich-post.com ; furano11@verizon.net ; dbn3793@msn.com ; rdequeker@hotmail.com ; tmjtb@verizon.net ; jabdo67@optonline.net ; bica621@aol.com ; donnaf4@optonline.net ; mpdarling@yahoo.com ; freckles76@aol.com ; kerrydu@aol.com ; cheryl1021@optimum.net ; tandersenc@aol.com ; clchorch@optonline.net ; beth@insurexchg.com ; gvd68@aol.com ; mikenjacki@aol.com
Subject: Questions and information needed regarding the Modulars
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:55:42 -0700
>
Ladies and Gentlemen -

Since the Hamilton Avenue school children will, most unfortunately, be returning to the modulars, there are still outstanding questions that need to be asked and information that needs to be shared with the public, at large, regarding the modulars.

First question - Why is the replacement trellis skirt not fully around the building? Why is the skirt still solid material on the side of the building up against the hill? Both inspectors, the BOE's and the parents', stated that the entire skirt area needs to be open for circulation to hinder the growth of mold.

Second Question - Why were the contents of the pods put into the modulars prior to the release of the content testing results? As referenced at a recent BOE meeting by Leslie Moriarty, contents in one pod, at least, showed significant levels of mold. What are those results, what was tested and how was remediation accomplished?

Third Question - Have fired code inspections been done on the remediated modulars? What is the official occupancy limit of the Multipurpose Room? Is that occupancy prominently posted?

Fourth Question - Have building inspections by the Town of Greenwich been done on the remediated modulars? Will those results be posted publicly?

Fifth Question - Will there be a storage pod left on site in addition to the small storage shed for overflow contents, gym equipment and supplies not needed immediately? The school community has asked for this since the completion of the modulars as there is truly not enough storage in the modulars.

Sixth Question - Has the Modular Tools for Schools Committee been formed? Who are the members of this committee. Is this committee receiving the necessary training to perform their duties? What is the meeting schedule for this committee?

The community requests answers to these questions, prior to the scheduled open house on August 26th. These are very real concerns and expedient answers are needed.

Respectfully yours,

Laura J. DiBella

Please send your comments to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com

09/08/08 Greenwich Time News Links For Monday

Better Late Than Never

TOP STORY:

HEADLINES:

Better Late Than Never: Greenwich Time Reporter Colin Gustafson Is Once Again Behind The Times

Greenwich Time Finally Reports That Frank Mazaza And His Band of Idiots Want $700,000 Instead Of $500,000 Of Your Tax Dollars

Enraged Greenwich Roundup Readers Have Known About Frank Mazza's Secret Plans For Two Days Now

QUOTES:

"The BET has an obligation to taxpayers to make sure that money is spent prudently," BET chairman Stephen Walko said. "The goal still is to get the project completed as soon as possible, but you can't lose sight of process or principals."

"Now we're close to two years behind schedule," said Hamilton Avenue mother Dawn Nethercott last week. "The primary mission does not appear to be getting kids in new school but of nickel and dimeing sitting on decisions required for substantial completion."

THE STORY:

BET weighs funding request

By Colin Gustafson

Staff Writer
Article Launched: 09/08/2008 01:00:00 AM

With the costs of construction work at the Hamilton Avenue School still rising, budget officials are poised tonight to open the town's wallet for what they hope will be the last time to nudge the project over the finish line.

The Board of Estimate and Taxation will meet at Town Hall at 6 p.m. to vote on two interim funding requests, totaling as much has $700,000, to help pay for a growing list of building modifications, known as change orders.

The school's building committee had initially sought $500,000 for those changes order, which the BET gave preliminary approval for on Aug. 15.
However, building committee director Frank Mazza upwardly revised that estimate by $200,000 on Friday afternoon, citing a slew of new change orders issued by inspectors in the last three weeks.

Mazza would not disclose any details....

FRANK MAZZA WOULD NOT DISCLOSE THE DETAILS TO GREENWICH TIME REPORTER COLIN GUSTAFSON,

BUT GREENWICH ROUNDUP DISCLOSED THE DETAILS TO THE PARENTS AND TAXPAYERS DAYS AGO:

PLEASE SEE:

09/06/08 Frank Mazza And The Band Of Idiot's Breakdown Of Money Discussed At The Hamilton Avenue School Building Committee Meeting

PLEASE ALSO SEE:

09/06/08 You Wont Read This In The Greenwich Time: Surprise $500,000 Is Not Enough For Frank Mazza And His Band Of Idiots Now They Want $700,000 !!!!!!

09/01/08 Why Are Betty Sternberg, Susan Wallerstein And Anthony Byrne Still Collecting Board Of Education Paychecks????

08/29/08 Is Michael Bodson Parading Colin Gustafson With A Nose Ring?

AND PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THIS:

09/07/08 Multi-Million-Dollar School Administration Failures Have Now Led To Town Service Cut Backs

MORE GREENWICH TIME NEWS LINKS:

Parties keep politics local

With the national political conventions in the history books and only eight weeks until Election Day, the two major parties in Greenwich are marshaling most of their resources for more local races, from General Assembly to Congress.

Whitby moves forward with new plan

With an expansion project now approved, Whitby School is moving forward with plans to implement the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

Board of Education hosting work session

The Board of Education will host a "work session" at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Havemeyer Building, at 290 Greenwich Ave.

Deceased players honored by GYFL

Two longtime members of the Greenwich Youth Football League, killed in separate car accidents, will not be forgotten by their extended sports family.

School calendar

September 9 Deadline for high school students to register for Scholastic Assessment Tests on October 4.

Artists put their best on display on Sound Beach Avenue

Sitting along a busy Sound Beach Avenue yesterday, artist Sandra Stalford Austin began creating a picture of Cinderella.

Western Middle School teacher offers new perspective

Valerie Bolling, a history teacher at Western Middle School, has returned to the classroom this school year with a new perspective on the Holocaust.

================================================

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09/08/08 You Wont Read These Articles In The Greenwich Time

The Raw Overnight

Greenwich News Feed....

Mel Gibson Drops The Price On Old Mill Farm

Luxist

by Deidre Woollard

Filed under: Estates

After reading about the real estate downturn in Greenwich, Connecticut in a recent issue of The New Yorker, I wondered what effect this will have on homes still on the market, in particular, Mel Gibson's Old Mill Farm. A quick look at the listing reveals that Gibson, who has had the property on the market for $39.5 million for over a year now, recently dropped the price to $35 million.

The home is one of Greenwich's treasures. No McMansion, Old Mill Farm is a design by architect Charles Lewis Bowman built in 1926 and is one of the last great manor homes in Greenwich and is significant not just for the architecture but for the fact that it has 77 acres of land which includes formal gardens, a maze, pool tennis court, greenhouse, stable staff houses, log cabin and a pond. The home itself is an Elizabethan-inspired Tudor mansion of 15,800 square feet and the property has 15 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms total. The great hall has a 40-foot cathedral ceiling with a stone minstrel's gallery, walk-in fireplace and leaded glass ceilings. In this real estate climate, will a $4.5 million price cut be enough or does Mel need to lower the price a bit more?

Maser Consulting hires Walters as project manager

Recordonline.com - The Times Herald-Record

Reg Walters of Greenwich, Conn., has been hired as senior project manager for Maser Consulting, an engineering firm in New York and New Jersey.

Owner: Astroland Amusement Park Closing For Good

MyFOX Atlanta

... never ridden on the Tilt-A-Whirl or the Water Flume. Bobby Salony said bringing his wife and their daughters from Greenwich, Conn., was a kind of "unfinished business." "We had to come in and have one more time (at Astroland)," Salony said. "Twenty ...

Police investigate man's death in Port Chester

The Journal News

PORT CHESTER - Police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found last night in a vehicle parked on Grant Avenue near Grandview Avenue.

The body was discovered around 8:30 p.m.

A sergeant who answered the phone today at the Port Chester Police Department would only say that police are conducting a death investigation. He declined to elaborate, saying that more information would be released tomorrow.

Neighbors said police responded during last night's heavy rainstorm and cordoned off a small section of Grant Avenue near Grandview Avenue for about three hours while they investigated.

A roll of yellow-crime scene tape remained at the scene today, next to where a white SUV containing the man's body was parked on the side of the road. The parking space was empty.

... Her granddaughter, Erin Grosse, 24, said that the man's death, a home invasion last week in Harrison that sent police choppers swirling over their neighborhood and a murder last week in nearby Greenwich, Conn., are causes for concern.

"It's too close to home," she said. ...

================================================

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Hyper Local News Pages

Monday, September 8, 2008