OLD SAYBROOK POLICE COMMISSION
DECEMBER 19, 2005
MINUTES
The regular monthly meeting of the Old Saybrook Police Commission was held on Monday, December 19, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Saybrook Town Hall. PRESENT: Chairman Conklin, Commissioners Dobratz, Gallicchio, Metsack, Sparaco and Winkler. Also Chief Mosca, Lt. Barrows, Lt. McDonald, Lt. Spera, Lt. Stuart, Det. Sgt. Heiney and Ptl. Barnes. Comsr. Burnham arrived at 8:45 p.m.
Chairman Conklin called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. He asked for a moment of silence in memory of George O’Brien and Thomas Decker, both of whom passed away recently.
1. Minutes & Meeting Dates
Chairman Conklin asked for discussion or approval of the minutes of the November 14, 2005 meeting of the commission. Motion made by Comsr. Dobratz and seconded by Comsr. Gallicchio to accept the minutes of the November 14, 2005 meeting as submitted. Motion passed by unanimous vote in favor.
Chairman Conklin asked the commission to consider meeting dates for 2006, and suggested eliminating the August and November meetings. These had been added for 2004 and 2005, but proved to be short meetings with little to report. It was the feeling of the commission that these could be eliminated and special meetings called if needed. Chairman Conklin suggested January 23, February 27, March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, July 24, September 25, October 23 and December 11th as meeting dates for 2006. Motion made by Comsr. Gallicchio and seconded by Comsr. Winkler to accept the ten 2006 meeting dates proposed by Chairman Conklin. Motion passed by unanimous vote in favor.
2. Comments from the Public
There were no members of the public present.
3. 05-06 Operating Budget
Chief Mosca explained that with 50% of the year expired, 54% of the operating budget has been expended. He fully expects, with the exception of Gasoline, the department will stay within the spending plan for the year. He said that, as in the September letter to the Board of Finance, the increase in gasoline prices will cause an over expenditure in this line item. The department had prepaid at $2.65 per gallon, but when the price came down, the gas company held the department to the $2.65 pre-buy price. The department has made a second pre-buy at $2.02 per gallon with the balance of the gasoline funds, which should carry the department to the end of February. The Chief suggested informing the Board of Finance that the department will need between $9,000 and $11,000 by the end of the fiscal
year for gasoline, well within the $20,000 estimate in their September letter to the Board of Finance. The Police Commission asked the Chief to put in for $15,000 to be sure there is enough. Chairman Conklin agreed to communicate with the Selectmen and the Board of Finance to get their recommendations on how this will be addressed.
Commissioners asked how the Gasoline amount was calculated in the 2006-2007 Budget. Chief Mosca said it was calculated at $2.00 per gallon, in line with other departments in town that purchase gasoline.
The Chief stated that the department continues to pay overtime to cover an officer out on disability, which has impacted the payroll budget. He reminded the commission that the town has received over $20,000 in reimbursements from its worker’s compensation carrier, which off-sets the expense for the town, but not for the department. He reported there was also a current case that required a lot of preparation and work, impacting the budget further, which Det. Sgt. Heiney would describe in his report.
Comsr. Gallicchio asked if the department has heard from the workers’ compensation carrier regarding Ptl. DellaRocco, and the Chief responded that Ptl. DellaRocco is currently on unpaid sick leave and that he is hopeful CIRMA will extend the workers’ compensation payments beyond the 6-week period they set, if the issue is unresolved at the end of that period.
Comsr. Dobratz asked for an update on the heating system. The Chief described recent issues with the heating system and the inability to get obsolete parts. He said personnel on the midnight shifts often have to wear their coats and office personnel run heaters during the day. Lt. Stuart is doing his best to keep the system running.
4. 06-07 Budget
Chief Mosca reported the department tried something new this year in compiling the proposed budget. He said that all lieutenants and other officers were asked to submit projected budgets for their operations in order to educate them on the budget process. He stated they did an excellent job giving raw data and justifications. He said that JoAnne Klingerman, Lt. Spera, Lt. Stuart and Det. Sgt, Heiney distilled the raw data into appropriate categories, and the Chief then met with personnel to discuss the budget, line by line, and evaluate every possible expenditure. This brought the proposed budget in at a 15% increase, which was worked on and brought down to an 11% increase. He said after two more meetings, the increase was brought down to 9%, and at that time the Chief was instructed to get
it under 8% by Chairman Conklin. He said the group worked hard to preserve what was necessary to maintain services to the public. He then met with each contributing officer and explained why certain reductions were selected. He reported that the budget he was presenting reflected a 7.8% increase. He said he had appointed Lt. Spera to be the budget spokesman, and turned the budget presentation over to Lt. Spera.
Chairman Conklin said this was the most comprehensively prepared budget he has seen, and offered his praise for an excellent job.
Lt. Spera made a Power Point presentation of the proposed capital budget. Items discussed were the department’s request for one new SUV and two patrol cars. He explained that the Jimmy, which cannot currently be used for patrol, would be traded, providing one more SUV, which seems to be the vehicle of choice among officers. He said that during winter storms and heavy rainstorms, these are often the only patrol vehicles on the road. He indicated the figure presented includes the complete package to get the vehicles ready for patrol.
Chairman Conklin asked about the choice of weapons and holsters. The Chief suggested firing samples to get a feel for them and input toward making a choice. Lt. Barrows explained that Smith & Wessons have more stopping power, and that a majority of departments in the country carry them. He indicated that 16 hours of training is recommended by Smith & Wesson for these weapons, and they will send a trainer to the department.
The proposed digital vehicle recording systems were discussed, which are being designed for the department to replace the antiquated unreliable systems currently in use.
Comsr. Gallicchio asked, with reference to the $44,000 requested to replace the heating and cooling system if necessary, if the department has received any information regarding the addition or a new building. Chief Mosca responded that the department expects to receive title to the SBC property by the end of the month, and what steps would then be taken, along with an expected time frame. He said he hopes to dovetail the project into a new facility. Discussion followed regarding possibilities that have been discussed at various times.
Lt. Spera concluded the Power Point presentation of the proposed capital budget, offering explanations and answering questions.
Motion made by Comsr. Sparaco and seconded by Comsr. Gallicchio to approve the proposed 2006-2007 Capital Budget. Motion carried by unanimous vote in favor.
Lt. Spera continued his Power Point presentation with the proposed operating budget for 2006-2007, explaining new items and the discontinuation of others to more properly reflect the department’s budget needs. He also explained increases in electricity and gasoline and answered various questions. Comsr. Dobratz expressed concern that the gasoline line item may be insufficient, and Chief Mosca responded that the budget team had originally put in a higher figure, but upon learning that other town departments were using a figure of $2.00 per gallon, he felt the department should come into line with that.
Lt. Spera completed his budget presentation by indicating that after fixed, contractual and energy increases, the increase for the entire balance of the operating budget is only 1.37%. He also stated that this process has been a very eye-opening experience.
Comsr. Sparaco commended all who worked on the budget for the outstanding preparation and presentation. Chief Mosca said it was good to see the creativity and education of individuals involved. He said this process will be required for accreditation, and he feels it has enhanced the understanding of all those involved.
Motion made by Comsr. Dobratz and seconded by Comsr. Sparaco to approve the proposed 2006-2007 Operating Budget. Motion carried by unanimous vote in favor.
5. Personnel
Chief Mosca reported the following personnel matters:
He is overjoyed to report that Ptl. Bergantino is doing well and is on full duty. He said it is a pleasure to have him back.
Ptl. DellaRocco is still out, as discussed previously, and the department has no indication of when or how his situation will be resolved.
Ptl. Barnes is moving along with an aggressive plan and time line for the Explorer program. Some equipment and books were acquired with grant money, and commissioners can expect to see uniformed Explorers at future functions.
Ptl. Walsh and his wife have a new baby girl, born last week. Both mom and baby are doing fine. The Chief praised him for coming in for the warrant case the evening of the day he brought his wife and new daughter home.
The School Resource Officer report was submitted to commissioners, and is attached to and made a part of these minutes.
6. Training
The Training report was submitted to commissioners, and is attached to and made a part of these minutes. The Chief also reported he anticipates receipt of the after action report for the shooting soon. He has spoken with the committee chairman and was told all shots fired by our personnel were proper and in compliance with policy. The department will do a “best practices” report, which should be concluded in February.
7. Traffic
Lt. Stuart reported that in response to a safety concern letter from the Selectmen’s office, he surveyed the area of Ingham Hill Road at the I-95 on and off ramps. As a result of his survey, he recommended the commission approve placement of stop signs in each direction of Ingham Hill Road and Elm Street on the south side of the I-95 overpass, and a “stop ahead” sign on the north side of the overpass on Ingham Hill Road, approaching Elm Street. Motion made by Comsr. Gallicchio and seconded by Comsr. Winkler to approve three stop signs and the stop ahead sign on Ingham Hill Road and Elm Street at the I-95 overpass as recommended by Lt. Stuart. Motion approved by unanimous vote in favor.
Lt. Stuart stated that he received concerns from residents on Coulter Street about that street’s intersection with Birch Street considering increased traffic due to new condominiums. The residents requested stop signs and No Through Truck signs. Lt. Stuart felt that considering a park is being constructed in that area as well, the problem would be better addressed by reducing the speed limit from 25 to 20 miles per hour and placing a pedestrian sign in the area. Motion made by Comsr. Gallicchio and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to reduce the speed on Coulter Street from 25 to 20 miles per hour, and to place a pedestrian sign in the vicinity. Motion carried by unanimous vote in favor.
8. Events
Chief Mosca said he was pleased to report that the Saybrook Stroll and the Torchlight Parade were both heavily attended and police officers did an excellent job. He said for the first time, officers were assigned to every crosswalk, and crosswalks were illuminated to enhance safety. Comsr. Gallicchio expressed concern for the safety of children at the parade because he noticed candy being thrown in the road as trucks and vehicles are coming through. Chief Mosca said this matter had been brought to his attention, and that he intends to recommend to the planning group that candy be handed to children or thrown at the end of the parade, after all vehicles have passed.
Chief Mosca reported he will have additional officers on patrol until after the New Year’s holiday. He said the next event is the Chili Fest.
9. Correspondence
Correspondence received since the November meeting was circulated for commissioners to review.
10. Activity Report
Det. Sgt. Heiney reported the department has logged 1,883 incidents exclusive of administrative incidents, and 333 citations since the November 14th meeting. He gave specific information on a three-month investigation into burglaries at the library, which resulted in the arrest of an Old Saybrook resident for burglary, larceny and possession of narcotics. He also reported on two cases resulting in narcotics arrests and possession of and delivering of alcohol to a minor. He reported warrants have been applied for arrest of a suspect in a case involving identity theft, criminal impersonation, forgery and larceny.
Chief Mosca said the library had been plagued by burglaries with no indication of method of entry or evidence. He said Ptl. Gardner had placed a hidden camera, which was triggered when the door opened and which could be monitored at the department, at the library. The person arrested had a key and was the person the department suspected. The department is looking at other applications for this camera set-up.
Det Sgt. Heiney then reported on a four-month narcotics investigation, resulting in the service of three search and seizure warrants at the Comfort Inn. Twenty-one officers and investigators from 9 law enforcement agencies and DCF were involved, and an Inspector from the State’s Attorney’s Office was present. Four persons were arrested for a total of 23 criminal charges including possession of cocaine, crack cocaine and narcotics with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, risk of injury to a minor and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Seized were a semi-automatic handgun and drugs with a street price of about $5,200.
Chief Mosca indicated this four months of investigation and surveillance, concluding with a number of officers involved in the service of the warrants and arrests, will have an impact on the payroll. Considering the number of departments involved, some for their local interest and one for possible connection to an unsolved murder, the logistics are immense. The briefing was done at the Town Hall and conducted by Det. Sgt. Heiney, Lt. Spera, Lt. Barrows and Ptl. Rankin and Gardner, with floor plans and other information provided professionally with monitors. The operation, which involved 21 officers, and Tasers and battering rams provided by other departments, went as planned and was very successful. The Chief praised the 5 officers and asked for recognition by the commission through commendations,
of their professional handling of this operation considering the potential for danger to the officers and hotel guests. Motion made by Comsr. Dobratz and seconded by Comsr. Sparaco to present commendations to Det. Sgt. Heiney, Lt. Spera, Lt. Barrows, Ptl. Rankin and Ptl. Gardner for their professional handling of this operation. Motion passed by unanimous vote in favor.
The Chief reported another operation of this type will be going on in 5 or 6 weeks.
Comsr. Gallicchio asked if there was an arrest the night of the Saybrook Stroll. The Chief said a man was arrested on an outstanding warrant when he attempted to purchase a firearm.
11. Comments & Concerns of Commissioners
Comsr. Gallicchio asked if a response had been received from Town Counsel regarding the fuel spill bill and the Chief said one had not yet been received.
Comsr. Gallicchio asked if there was movement on the Miller case and Det. Sgt. Heiney answered there was nothing new to report.
Comsr. Burnham said she was not pleased to know that police contract negotiations had begun with no notification, participation or involvement at all by the Police Commission. Ptl. Mercer, present at the meeting and a member of the bargaining committee, described the first meeting and actions taken as preliminary. He said the first official meeting, scheduled for December 12th, had been cancelled and was to be rescheduled. He said proposed meeting dates were submitted by the union to start the process. JoAnne Klingerman was instructed to obtain the dates from the Selectmen’s office and Chairman Conklin said he would speak with Mr. Pace and pass on the commission’s concerns.
Motion to adjourn made by Comsr. Gallicchio and seconded by Comsr. Winkler. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:32 p.m.
JoAnne Klingerman
Executive Assistant
These minutes are subject to approval by the
Old Saybrook Police Commission at its
January 23, 2006 meeting.
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