East Windsor Police Commission
Regular Meeting June 13, 2007
Minutes
CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE
The meeting was called to order at 7:00p.m. by Chairman Sherman. Commissioners Barton, Devanney, Knibloe and Sinsigallo were present along with Chief DeMarco and Capt. Hart.
ADDED AGENDA ITEMS
A motion was made by Commissioner Sinsigallo, seconded by Commissioner Devanney to add the following item to the Agenda:
Under New Business
f) Circle of Merit Award
Sinsigallo/Devanney Unanimous
A motion was made by Commissioner Barton, seconded by Commissioner Devanney to add the following item to the Agenda:
Under Unfinished Business
a) General Discussion – Budget
Barton/Devanney Unanimous
PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
Regular Meeting – May 9, 2007
A motion was made by Commissioner Sinsigallo, seconded by Commissioner
Devanney to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of May 9, 2007 as presented.
Sinsigallo/Devanney Unanimous
BUDGET AND EXPENDITURES
A) Police Department - Monthly Billing
A motion was made by Commissioner Sinsigallo, seconded by Commissioner Devanney to approve the East Windsor Police Department monthly billing dated June 7, 2007 in the amount of $15115.47 for the fiscal year 2006/2007
Sinsigallo/Devanney Unanimous
B) Police Department Financial Statement
A motion was made by Commissioner Sinsigallo, seconded by Commissioner
Devanney to approve the East Windsor Police Department Financial Statement dated June 7, 2007 for the fiscal year 2006/2007.
Sinsigallo/Devanney Unanimous
There was a general discussion regarding the remainder of the East Windsor Police Department budget for the fiscal year 2006/2007. Chief DeMarco spoke to the Commissioners present regarding this budget and he stated that there are enough of monies left in the current budget to see the Police Department through to the end of the fiscal year, therefore, he will not need the requested added appropriation. He will be able to meet all expenses by moving line items within the categories.
A motion was made by Commissioner Knibloe, seconded by Commissioner Sinsigallo to authorize the Chief to move line items within the categories and to pay the bills in accordance with the transfer procedures already in place.
Knibloe/Sinsigallo Unanimous
This authorization is in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 7-277 which states “The expenses, salaries and all costs of maintenance, and equipment for such police department shall be paid by such town in the same manner as other expenses of the town government.”
In addition, a motion was made by Commissioner Knibloe, seconded by Commissioner Sinsigallo to forward to the Board of Selectman communication from the Chairman of the Police Commission stating that the Police Department no longer needs the added appropriation for fiscal year 06/07 and the line transfers as previously requested.
Knibloe/Sinisgallo Unanimous
C) Police Commission - Monthly Billing
A motion was made by Commissioner Sinsigallo seconded by Commissioner Devanney to approve the East Windsor Police Commission Monthly Billing for the fiscal year 2006/2007 dated May 31, 2007 in the amount of $261.88
Sinsigallo/Devanney Unanimous
D) Police Commission Financial Statement
A motion was made by Commissioner Sinsigallo, seconded by Commissioner Devanney to approve the East Windsor Police Commission Financial Statement for the fiscal year 2006/2007 dated May 31, 2007 as presented
Sinsigallo/Devanney Unanimous
E) Animal Control Monthly Billing
A motion was made by Commissioner Sinsigallo, seconded by Commissioner Devanney to approve the East Windsor Animal Control Monthly Billing in the amount of $666.21 for the fiscal year 2006/2007 dated June 7, 2007
Sinsigallo/Devanney Unanimous
F) Animal Control - Financial Statement
A motion was made by Commissioner Sinsigallo, seconded by Commissioner
Devanney to approve the East Windsor Animal Control Financial Statement for the fiscal year 2006/2007 dated June 7, 2007 as presented.
Sinsigallo/Devanney Unanimous
G) Legal Billing
There was no Legal Billing this month
PUBLIC INPUT
Sgt. Ken Smith, Union President, spoke to the Commission inquiring as to whether the information discussed at the last meeting had been received and if it would be possible to schedule a meeting at a future date to continue the discussion. There was some discussion among the Commission members regarding this issue and since the information has been received it was decided that Sgt. Smith would contact the Chairman of the Police Commission the week of June 25th to set up a date and time for a Labor/Management meeting between the Union and the Police Commission.
First Selectman, Ed Filipone, spoke to the Commission with regard to the Legal Billing. He stated that more than 1/3 of the legal billing for the Town of East Windsor was for the researching of the duties of the Board of Finance and the Board of Police Commissioners. Mr. Filipone suggested that the Board of Finance and the Board of Police Commissioners should meet at a future date to discuss this issue.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) General Discussion – Budget Issues
Commissioner Barton opened the discussion by stating that he had four (4) issues that he would like to discuss regarding what has been going on with the Board of Finance and the budget process as it deals with the East Windsor Police Department.
Commissioner Barton felt that the Board of Finance had not cooperated with the Board of Police Commissioners as to the budgetary process for the Police Department budget. He felt that the board members were “whinny” and that the Board as a whole over-stepped their authority and that their attitude towards the Police Department and the Police Commission has been callous and rude. This attitude from the Board of Finance appears to go back to the beginning of the fiscal year when the over-time money was withheld from the budget for the Police Department and held in abeyance until a request for same was put forth by the Police Department. This action caused a great deal of anger between the Board of Finance and the Board of Police
Commissioners over the way things have been done.
Over-time budget – this line item seems to be able to be controlled. It is unreasonable for the Board of Finance to continually question this line item as it is overseen by the Police Commission. There was a large amount of overtime this year; the overtime has been controlled and has been monitored and operated wisely. This monitoring and controlling of the overtime budget shows that it can be done on a continual basis – it is up to us to make sure the Chief budgets money responsibly. We need to oversee the budget and not put this responsibility under the control of the Board of Finance staff – it is up to us to make sure we get the right answers. We also need to make sure the overtime and
other line items are spent wisely; and that there is no abuse of authority.
The budget for the Town did not pass on the first vote but did pass on the second one. There are still many voters in town who do not want to know how the police department operates and how their budget is spent, they only want to know the Police Department is there when they need them. It there was more understanding as to the importance of the police department on a daily basis, and how the budget is expended; the vote may have been different. It was wrong of the Board of Finance to eliminate positions within the Police Department. The standard is 4 officers per shift – one dispatcher, one sergeant and two officers; this is a reasonable number and we should keep this staff. The issue of the number of cars in
the fleet and the K9 unit is something that can still be looked at.
The Board of Finance construed an image of the Police Department staff that was greedy and self indulgent. We need to show that the Police Department is a professional staff, need to get the word out and show the level of professionalism that is exhibited by every member of the Police Department including the Administration, need to get the word out about the things that the police department does and is doing for the Town of East Windsor.
Commissioner Barton went on further to say that the Chief has control over how the officers are dressed and he feels that all officers should be in Class A uniforms. Commissioner Barton stated that the uniforms currently being utilized by the Police Department are “sloppy looking”; that they (the uniforms) do not look professional, and also; that while on traffic duty the officers should not be standing on the road with a cup of coffee from Dunkin Donuts.
Commissioner Knibloe stated – mark this one down folks – that he totally agreed with Commissioner Barton regarding the issue of uniforms. He also feels that the BDU’s not professional looking and that the wearing of these uniforms do not portray the image of a professional police force.
At this time, Commissioner Knibloe questioned the Chief regarding the accreditation of the Police Department. The Chief turned the question over to Capt. Hart. Capt. Hart responded to Commissioner Knibloe’s question by stating that the East Windsor Police Department is very close to Tier 1 of the state accreditation. The DOD’s and Policies and Procedures within the Police Department are being looked at. Once this has been completed, the state will be contacted to review all documentation and Capt. Hart is confident that we are within striking distance if accreditation by the State of Connecticut.
Commissioner Devanney said that she does not agree with the statements that had been made with regard to the image of the police department and the dress code. She feels that the townspeople are very supportive of the police department. She also stated that, in her opinion, the Chief has done a very good job this year even with the shortage of officers that has occurred this year.
Commissioner Sinsigallo said that she felt it would be a good idea to revisit the idea of a “pep rally” to show the people of the Town of East Windsor that we do have a professional police department.
Capt. Hart responded to Commissioner Sinsigallo by saying that he was attempting to put together an Honor Guard for parades and other civic events.
The Chief commented at this point that the Police Department and the Administration is doing the best possible job to be fiscally responsible with a smile on our face. We are dealing with every situation as it occurs and are doing are best to deal with what is wrong and to make it right. We are also looking at a public awards ceremony to honor the officers in the Police Department for their service to the Town of East Windsor. Public relations is an important part of the Police Department in that it allows the Police Department to let the citizens of the Town of East Windsor what is really going on with the Police Department and it gives the Police Department a chance to emphasize all the positive things that are happening within and without the
department.
TRAFFIC AUTHORITY
07-0001 – Treetop Lane
This was discussed among the Commissioners present, the Chief and the Captain. A motion was made by Commissioner Knibloe, seconded by Commissioner Barton for the Town Highway or the Police Department to install a “No Outlet” sign on Treetop Lane.
Knibloe/Barton Unanimous
PUBLIC INPUT #2 (Comments only - no discussion)
Marie DeSousa, a member of the Board of Finance, took this opportunity to speak. She stated that she was quite please with the comments made and the direction from the Board of Selectman with regards to the budget.
She did state, however, that she did not see any members from the Board of Police Commissioners at the Board of Finance public hearing, but was berated by members of the public. She also stated that she has always supported the Police Department but was only trying to work for the best interests of the town.
She also stated that she was not happy with the performance of the Police Commission and with the things that have happened. Ms. DeSousa also said that she hopes we can move forward from this day on and do what is right, to move on and do what we need.
Ms. DeSousa also said that she hoped the Police Commission could manage to give her basic respect and courtesy, and to notify the Board of Finance, or ever herself individually, that there is a meeting. She also stated that no one from the Board of Finance ever berated anyone, that there is no vendetta between the Board of Finance and the Board of Police Commissioners, and that everyone should move forward and put the budgetary process behind us.
Dale Nelson, member of the Board of Finance, stated at this time that she felt that the “Tiger Team” did not do the Board of Finance any ser vice and that it caused a load of animosity. She also stated that it was not the Board of Finance’s position, but that of the Tiger Team.
NEW BUSINESS
A) Sub-station
Ed Filipone, First Selectman, spoke to the Commissioners present, the Chief, Captain and the public present regarding the loss of the sub-station in the center of Broad Brook and also the police officer at Millpond Village. Mr. Filipone said that he felt it was a very good idea to have a sub station in the center of Broad Brook and that Elaine’s Pizza might become available for a sub-station. Mr. Filipone also said that he would do all that he could to make the sub-station a reality and that would be more than happy to handle the negotiations.
The Chief questioned Mr. Filipone as to the cost factor involved and Mr. Filipone responded that it would cost between Four and Five Thousand Dollars to renovate Elaine’s Pizza into a new sub-station. The Chief responded that the Police Department did not have the extra money to put into resurrecting a sub-station in the center of Broad Brook; but that if the sub-station could happen with no financial outlay from the Police Department it would be worth considering. Mr. Filipone responded that he would look into the costs of the lease, etc. and the EWPD will look into the costs that will be incurred by the Police Department.
B) Letter from Officer Bruce Everitt
The letter from Officer Everitt regarding Millpond Village was discussed among the Commissioners present. Some of the contents of the letter were discussed such as his regret in having to leave as the Millpond Officer effective June 30, 2007 and also the fact that he was afraid that without the police presence at Millpond Village, the situation may revert back to what it was before he came. Although the police presence at Millpond Village will end as of June 30, 2007, if the situation worsens, Winn Management has the option of revisiting their decision.
C) Unused vehicles at station
The unused vehicles at the Police Station have been moved to the back of the area out of the sight of the public as they were deemed to be an “eyesore” These unused vehicles are cannibalized for parts and other necessary items. There is no room anywhere else in Town where these cars can be parked and where there is easy access to cannibalize them for parts as needs be.
D) Updated police vehicle status report (i.e. age and mileage of all vehicles)
The Police Vehicle Status Report was reviewed by the Chief, Captain Hart and the Commission members present with all questions, especially those regarding safety issues, answered.
The comments made were by Commissioner Knibloe when he questioned the chief on the safety of the vehicles with the high mileage. The Chief responded to this statement by stating that these vehicles were basically spare vehicles and were not put on the road on actual patrol very often; and that he would not knowingly allow an unsafe car onto the roads.
Commissioner Barton reviewed the status report, agreed with Mr. Knibloe and stated that he felt that 11 patrol cars was an excessive amount whether they or safe or not and some of that number should be eliminated.
E) New Records Clerk
There was one candidate who interviewed and tested for the position of Records Clerk with the Police Dept. Her name is Tracey Lachat and she has been working at the Senior Center for a number of years. Due to the demands of both the Senior Center and the Police Department Tracey has agreed to work part time from June 25th to June 28th at both places and to start full time at the Police Department on June 29th.
Tracey was then welcomed officially by the members of the Police Commission.
F) Circle of Merit Award
One candidate was presented to the Board for consideration for the Circle of Merit Award. The decision on this candidate will be rendered at the next Police Commission meeting which will be held on July 11th.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A) Personnel Matter
A motion was made by Commissioner Sinsigallo, seconded by Commissioner Knibloe to go into Executive Session at 8:30 pm. To include the Chief, Captain and First Selectman
Sinsigallo/Knibloe Unanimous
A motion was made by Commissioner Sinsigallo, seconded by Commissioner Knibloe to come out of Executive Session at 9:05 p.m.
Sinsigallo/Knibloe Unanimous
NO ACTION TAKEN
COMMUNICATIONS
There were no communications
MONTHLY REPORTS
A) Chief of Police
There was nothing additional from the Chief or the Captain.
B) Commission Members
Commissioner Barton took this opportunity to respond to some of the comments that had been made previously by Marie DeSousa. He stated that one of the reasons why no one from the Police Commission was present at the meetings of the Board of Finance or at their workshops was that they were not welcome at these meetings and even if they were attended, no one was given the opportunity to speak.
The Board of Finance started the vindictiveness by requiring an audit of the police department records which took a lot of hard work and manpower to compile the requested records. This was a direct affront to the Police Commission and it made it appear to all and sundry that the Police Commission was not keeping on top of financial records for the Police Department; which in fact, is one of our responsibilities and one that we take very seriously.
As to the conduct of the Chairman of the Board of Finance, this person was most uncooperative with the Board of Police Commissioners and the Police Department and entirely overstretched his boundaries. Ms. DeSousa mentioned in her comments that the Board of Finance, either individually as a whole never berated anyone, and I know for a fact that this is not true. The Chairman of the Board of Finance publicly berated the Chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners at the December meeting and was not allowed to speak or refute what had been said to him in a public forum.
Another problem that had occurred with the Board of Finance was in the deferring of the overtime monies from the approved budget and forcing the Police Department and the Board of Police Commissioners to go to the Board of Finance for additional monies and to justify same.
There is a definite problem between the Board of Finance and the Board of Police Commissioners and until the Board of Finance discontinues the totalitarian and authoritarian practices, there will be no resolution.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Knibloe, seconded by Commissioner Sinsigallo to adjourn the regular meeting of the East Windsor Police Commission at 9:10 p.m.
Knibloe/Sinsigallo Unanimous
Respectfully submitted,
Darlene H. Kelly
Recording Secretary
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