EAST WINDSOR POLICE COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING: February 11, 2009
East Windsor Town Hall Meeting Room
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE:
Meeting was called to order at 7:03pm by Chairman Nelson. All commissioners were present as well as Chief of Police Edward DeMarco and Deputy Chief Roger Hart.
2. ADDED AGENDA ITEMS:
Commissioner Sinsigallo requested the following added agenda item:
Under #9, New Business: a) 2009-2010 Budget
3. PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES:
The minutes from January 14, 2009 regular meeting were reviewed by all commission members. MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to accept the regular meeting minutes of 1/14/09, as presented. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
VOTE IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL VOTING IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
The minutes from January 21, 2009 special meeting were reviewed by all commission members. MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to accept the special meeting minutes of 1/21/09, as presented. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
4. BUDGET AND EXPENDITURES:
A) Police Department – Monthly Billing: MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to accept the monthly billing, dated February 4, 2009 in the amount of $ 9,518.93. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
VOTE IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
B) Police Department – Financial Statement: MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to accept the monthly financial statement, dated February 6, 2009. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
DISCUSSION: Chairman Nelson inquired about the vehicle maintenance encumbered amount of $8635.36. Chairman Nelson expressed concern that this amount may push the department over budget. Deputy Chief Hart explained that it appears that way because of an open purchase order with Don’s Auto. Don’s Auto is no longer going to be servicing the vehicles-once the PO’s are closed out with Don’s Auto there will still be money left on that which will be returned to the budget. In addition, new snow tires were purchased. Deputy Chief explained that there was no need to make changes – just to wait Don’s PO out until work is complete, then to issue a new purchase order for Bosco’s Automotive.
Chief DeMarco added that there are two separate topics regarding that amount. Next month it will equalize. In regards to whether the department will make budget, will be better seen next month. Chief DeMarco also added that the budget may require movement of some monies, within the operational side, to make it work.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
C) Police Commission – Monthly Billing: MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to accept the monthly billing, dated January 31, 2009, in the amount of $ 142.90. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
D) Police Commission – Financial Statement: MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to accept monthly financial statement dated January 31, 2009, as presented. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
E) Animal Control – Monthly Billing: MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to approve monthly billing, dated February 4, 2009, in the amount of $ 1,217.82. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
DISCUSSION: Commissioner Devanney inquired about what happened with the town vehicle that required so much money to fix. Chief DeMarco responded that the torque converter needed to be replaced; vehicle has 80K miles and is 4-5 years old.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
F) Animal Control – Financial Statement: MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to approve the monthly financial statement dated February 6, 2009, as presented. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
G) Legal Billing: All commissioners were given copies.
5. PUBLIC INPUT #1 – Comments and Discussion (5 minute maximum per subject):
a) Marie DeSousa, Board of Finance, requested that the commission move Executive Session out of (agenda) order so that she and another BOF member can hear Communications and Monthly Reports without having to wait for Executive Session to close.
MOTION made by Commissioner Sauerhoefer to move 11.Communications and 12.Monthly Reports ahead of 10.Executive Session on the agenda. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer OPPOSED: Sinsigallo
MOTION CARRIED.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
None at this time.
7. TRAFFIC AUTHORITY:
A) 008-01 Norton Road – Chief DeMarco commented that for many months there were no complaints. After heavily saturating the area, found that there was not a level of violations to require that type of saturation. Chief DeMarco has added this to the STEP program and police presence will be cycled through. Does not meet the statute of “no through trucks”. Will continue to monitor for speed violations or other violations.
B) 009-01 Kreyssig Road – Chief DeMarco requested a continuance of thirty days due to busy schedule (budget) this month.
MOTION made by Commissioner Sauerhoefer to grant continuance of thirty days regarding 009-01. SECONDED by Commissioner Sinsigallo.
ALL VOTING IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
8. PUBLIC INPUT #2 – Comments only – NO DISCUSSION:
No public input at this time
9. NEW BUSINESS:
A) 2009-2010 Police Department Budget
Commissioner Sinsigallo questioned why there was not a special meeting scheduled to discuss the budget. Chief DeMarco commented that time was limited and the department was at their deadline.
Chief DeMarco informed the commission that after numerous meetings and reducing what they could, the budget will have no negative impact on public safety nor does it affect the level of service in a negative manner. The budget presented is 2.9% and the Chief reminded the commission that the department has met the budget two years in a row and anticipates doing the same for a third year.
Chief DeMarco and Deputy Chief Hart commented that the department has contractual obligations which affect budget numbers. Deputy Chief reminded the commission that with some of the cuts last year, the budget came in -1.8%. Deputy Chief also stated that with some employees’ longevity and education levels, salaries are adjusted.
Chairman Nelson commented that the commission needs to rely on the Chief and Deputy Chief that they have met with the necessary committees. Commissioner Sinsigallo restated that it has been the practice, in previous years, to have a special meeting to review the budget line by line.
Commissioner Sinsigallo questioned the amount budgeted for training. Chief DeMarco responded that the training budget has suffered some deep cuts – there is money there now. Chief DeMarco stated that the budget number is what will meet what is required/mandated and that some of the training (i.e. certification training) is taken from the salary side. Also questioned by Commissioner Sinsigallo was the gas consumption – down by $17K. Chief DeMarco stated it is based on current and future bids. He feels this is a safe number to make the year.
Commissioner Devanney commented that the budget is very good, but feels there should be a special meeting, as a team, to review it. Deputy Chief Hart reminds the commission of the long hours put towards many other issues (i.e. grievances).
MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to forward 2009-2010 Police Department budget to the Board of Selectmen. SECONDED by Commissioner Sherman.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
B) 2009-2010 Animal Control Budget
Commissioners reviewed and briefly discussed the 2009-2010 Animal Control Budget. Deputy Chief Hart commented that there is about a 6% reduction this year. MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to forward the 2009-2010 Animal Control budget to the Board of Selectmen. SECONDED by Commissioner Sherman.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to go out of (agenda) order to items 11 and 12. SECONDED by Commissioner Sauerhoefer.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
11. COMMUNICATIONS:
Enclosed in the commissioner’s packets were the following:
1. Letter from EW Police Union regarding Grievance 08-08, Bruce Everitt, dated 1/14/09.
2. Letter from Mr. Timothy Coon, State Traffic Commission dated 1/29/09 regarding STC #046-0812-02.
3. Letter from State Traffic Commission dated 12/29/08 regarding STC #046-0812-01.
4. Letter from resident Bertha Shemansky dated 1/26/09.
5. Letter from State Traffic Commission dated 1/21/09 regarding STC #046-0809-01.
12. MONTHLY REPORTS:
A) Chief of Police-
Deputy Chief Hart stated that (regarding #1), the officer will return to full duty this weekend.
Chief DeMarco spoke (regarding #5) of the fact that there are currently two companies on rotation. Of those two companies, they share one driver. If an officer requires a wrecker, it can become an issue in regards to waiting. The department wants to increase their wrecker rotation system. The department’s policy will reflect a time limit to get to the scene (25 minute time limit). Would like to maintain a four person rotation system. Chief DeMarco commented that Town & Country (currently used), will still be in that rotation. Chief stated that four in the wrecker rotation is a comfortable number. Brief discussion followed.
B) Commission Members-
None at this time.
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A) Legal Update:
MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to go back in agenda order to 10. Executive Session to include the Chief and Deputy Chief (7:39pm). SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
VOTE IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
Executive Session closed at 8:12pm
No action taken.
B) Grievance 90-02:
MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to go into Executive Session (8:13pm) for Grievance 90-02 to include the Chief and Deputy Chief. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
VOTE IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
Executive session closed at 8:22pm.
Complainant and Union Representative were not in attendance. MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo that, based on the facts presented, the grievance (90-02) has been denied. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
VOTE IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo to go into Executive Session (8:23pm) for Grievance 09-01 to include the Chief and Deputy Chief. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
VOTE IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
Executive session closed at 8:37pm.
Complainant and Union Representative were not in attendance. MOTION made by Commissioner Sinsigallo that, based on the facts presented, the grievance (09-01) has been denied. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
VOTE IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
13. ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Sinsigallo made a MOTION to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:39pm. SECONDED by Commissioner Devanney.
VOTED IN FAVOR: Sinsigallo/Devanney/Sherman/Sauerhoefer
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Pellegrini
EWPC Recording Secretary
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