OLD SAYBROOK POLICE COMMISSION
MAY 22, 2006
MINUTES
The regular monthly meeting of the Old Saybrook Police Commission was held on Monday, May 22, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Saybrook Town Hall. PRESENT: Chairman Conklin, Commissioners Burnham, Dobratz, Gallicchio, Metsack, Sparaco and Winkler. Also present were Chief Mosca, Lt. Barrows, Lt. Spera, Lt. Stuart, Det. Sgt. Heiney and Ptl. Gardner.
Chairman Conklin called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
1. Minutes
Chairman Conklin asked for discussion or approval of the minutes of the April 24, 2006 meeting. After discussion, motion was made by Comsr. Sparaco to approve the minutes with the following corrections: Page 3, Item Number 8., Traffic, Paragraph 3, first line, change “vehicles turning left from Route 1” to “vehicles turning right from Route 1”; and Page 4, Item 13., Sub-Committee Report, Paragraph 2, 3rd line, change “retard” to “regard”. Motion seconded by Comsr. Winkler. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Chairman Conklin asked for a moment of silence in memory of Ptl. David Perrotti’s father, who passed away since the last meeting.
2. Comments from the Public
A member of the public, noting he was the only member of the public present, stated he feels the lack of public attendance is a reflection of the satisfaction and positive comments he has heard lately regarding the work of the Police Commission and the officers of the Police Department. He stated that people rarely speak out when they are happy, and that he has heard many positive comments regarding the attitude, training, and helpfulness of officers, and approval of the Police Commission’s work.
Chairman Conklin stated he would like to amend the agenda to include an Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations, after Item 12. Motion was made by Comsr. Gallicchio and seconded by Comsr. Winkler to amend the agenda to include an Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations, after Item 12. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
3. 05-06 Operating Budget
Chief Mosca reported the Payroll portion of the budget is in a good state. He said that some anticipated extraordinary charges have been made to that account, including a major event on Bokum Road, which ran for about half a day and cost the department about $1,100 in overtime, and he still foresees no problem in ending the year in the black. He thanked Lt. Spera for his very hard work on scheduling with the budget in mind, which he feels has contributed heavily to the success of avoiding overruns.
Chief Mosca also reported that if not for the consistent increases in the cost of fuel and energy related items, the Expenses and Supplies portion of the budget would be in the black. He noted he had anticipated an over expenditure in Gasoline of about $15,000, and now feels it will be between $15,000 and $17,000. He reported he expects to off-set this over expenditure with careful spending in all areas of the budget to ensure the department’s bottom line remains in the black at the end of the fiscal year.
The Chief reported that basement drains backed up this month and some new roof leaks have appeared, resulting in repair and cleaning bills, and buckets placed strategically during rain storms.
4. 06-07 Operating and Capital Budget
Chief Mosca reminded the commission of the budget referendum to take place on Wednesday at the High School. He also stated that three bids had come in for the purchase of vehicles, which had been delivered to Chairman Conklin.
Chairman Conklin opened three bids, which were inspected and analyzed by each commissioner. After discussion and comparisons of the proposals, which ascertained that Saybrook Ford appeared to be the lowest bidder, motion was made by Comsr. Sparaco and seconded by Comsr. Gallicchio to approve the bid made by Saybrook Ford. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Conklin reported that the Board of Finance has made no further cuts in the department’s budget since the last version given to commissioners.
5. Personnel
Chief Mosca reported the following personnel matters to the commission:
Ptl. Larry Smith completed the transition plan today. His Field Training Officer, each of the four lieutenants and Det. Sgt. Heiney, all of whom participated in the transition plan, reported they felt he was ready to work independently. The Chief met with him and also feels he is ready. Ptl. Smith will begin regular duty on May 23rd.
Ptl. DellaRocco has provided his doctor’s note that he is able to return to full duty with no restrictions. The Chief met with him to set forth department requirements, following the guidance of Attorney McHale, to ensure he is physically able to return. Officer DellaRocco stated he fully anticipates returning to full duty.
Ptl. Bergantino indicates he continues to improve. His next doctor visit is scheduled for June 6th, and he is hoping and expecting to be released to full duty at that time, which the Chief said was encouraging news.
Ptl. Walsh was scheduled for his final raise to top step on May 16th. Chief Mosca recommended the raise, indicating his work performance has been excellent, and noting his work as a School Resource Officer and DARE officer, which commissioners viewed first hand at the DARE graduations they attended. Motion made by Comsr. Dobratz and seconded by Comsr. Sparaco to grant Ptl. Walsh a raise to top step as of May 16th. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
The three Exchange Club Officers of the Year reported at the last meeting, Det. Sgt. Heiney, Ptl. Bergantino and Ptl. Mercer, were honored at the Twelfth Annual Salute to Connecticut’s Finest sponsored by the Connecticut District Exchange Clubs held at Aqua Turf on May 11th. Chief Mosca asked that a letter of recognition for being selected as Officer of the Year be placed in each officer’s file. Motion was made by Comsr. Dobratz and seconded by Comsr. Winkler to forward letters of recognition to Det. Sgt. Heiney, Ptl. Bergantino and Ptl. Mercer in honor of being selected as Exchange Club Officers of the Year. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Ptl. Barnes accompanied the senior class on their trip to Orlando as a chaperone and in his capacity as School Resource Officer, as requested by the school. Lt. Spera was asked to give the School Resource Officer report in his absence. Lt. Spera gave information on the kinds of things that have happened on previous school trips, and how effectively Ptl. Barnes has addressed them.
Lt. Spera also reported that SRO Roche has graduated 120 students from the Middle School DARE program and SRO Walsh graduated 24 students from the St. John’s School DARE program. He thanked commissioners who attended those events, noting the success of the program and the enthusiasm of students, parents and faculty members.
Lt. Spera stated that interviews of Explorer Scout applicants have been completed. He expects a meeting to take place within a few weeks with the Explorer advisor from Boy Scouts of America, which is the next step in the process. He feels that at least 10 students will participate in the program.
6. Accreditation
Det. Sgt. Heiney indicated he had nothing new to report.
7. Training
Chief Mosca reported that Lt. McDonald had been excused from the meeting, and had prepared a written report, which was given to commissioners, a copy of which is attached to and made a part of these minutes.
8. Traffic
Chief Mosca asked Lt. Barrows and Lt. Stuart to report on items under their supervision.
Lt. Barrows talked about the speed trailer, explaining how it was acquired, how determinations are made as to placement and it’s effectiveness at reducing the speed of motorists in problem areas. He reported the speed trailer is in use from 6:00 a.m. until evening each day except during certain winter months.
Lt. Stuart reported that a letter has been sent to the State Traffic Commission requesting a “No Right on Red” sign on Route 1 at its intersection with Route 166; and a letter has been sent to Public Works requesting a wider and longer stop bar on Elm Street at Ingham Hill Road and a bigger stop sign. A letter was also sent to Public Works requesting “No Parking” signs on Fourth Avenue Extension.
He also reported the Library has voiced concerns regarding the safety of pedestrians and vehicles in their driveway due to the speed of many motorists. Lt. Stuart recommended making the driveway one way in and have vehicles exit through the Goodwin School driveway. He discussed this plan with the school principal, the Superintendent of Schools and the Library, all of whom agreed. Public Works has been contacted, and signage is to be installed.
Lt. Stuart reported the Zoning Commission asked for a review of the plan for a proposed parking lot across from Vinny Baker’s Saybrook Fish House on Essex Road. Lt. Stuart recommended increased lighting for the parking lot and for the cross walk.
9. Communications
Ptl. Gardner reported the Board of Selectmen agreed to release the Request for Proposal on the new communications system last Thursday. The committee will meet next Tuesday to determine the release date and time line for responses.
Ptl. Gardner also reported that a $7,200 line item was placed in the budget last year for a computer based scanner and electronic fingerprinting and cataloging system called AFIS. He described the system and the advantages it gives law enforcement nationwide in identifying and apprehending criminals. He indicated this $42,000 system is now available on a lease/purchase plan at a cost of $600 per month, which includes maintenance. The system would be owned within 7 years. Ptl. Gardner urged commissioners to come in for a demonstration. He also reported that he has met with other departments that use the same records management system as Old Saybrook in an effort to establish an interface to the AFIS system. This will speed up the booking process of criminals.
Chief Mosca praised Ptl. Gardner’s abilities and contributions in keeping the department current and abreast of the latest technology. He reported Ptl. Gardner and Lt. Stuart are currently working on an application for a $250,000 communications grant.
Chairman Conklin stated that construction of a wall has defined the communications area in the department and provides a more effective and efficient area for communications staff. Chief Mosca reported communications officers are pleased because it allows them to work without distractions and background noise.
10. Events
Chief Mosca reported the department is all set with scheduling for the Memorial Day parade and is preparing for the nine or ten other summer events discussed at the last meeting. He noted that the Amistad visit from June 9th to the 11th is expected to be heavily attended. He said that dinner on Friday evening, June 9th for the International Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Committee retreat will be held on a boat docked at Saybrook Point Inn, and again encouraged commissioners to attend. Commissioners will be contacted with details when plans are complete. He also reported that while he understands contracts have not yet been signed, August 27th may be the date of the Summer Pops concert.
Chief Mosca indicated that a hot dog cart owned by a businessman in town has been offered for use by the department during events. He plans to have the Explorers sell hot dogs at events where they will not compete with local non-profit organizations, to raise funds for the DARE program and the Explorer program.
11. Correspondence
Correspondence received since the April 24, 2006 meeting was circulated for commissioners to review.
12. Activity Report
Det. Sgt. Heiney reported the department has addressed 1,653 incidents, exclusive of administrative incidents, and issued 289 citations since the April 24, 2006 meeting. Det. Sgt. Heiney described an incident on Bokum Road that took place over a 4-hour period involving a subject in his house with a gun making threats and demands. The Essex Police assisted as well as the state police tactical unit and their helicopter and airplanes. The subject was subsequently admitted to a psychiatric hospital and an arrest warrant has been applied for charging him with Breach of Peace, Interfering with an Officer and Reckless Endangerment.
Det. Sgt. Heiney also reported on several larceny, forgery and fraud arrests from local stores, one of which involved the theft of over $25,000. He also reported an investigation of the theft of $13,000 from an ATM money drop box which occurred from the armored car company vehicle between Old Saybrook and New York City.
Det. Sgt. Heiney reported that as a result of the service of search warrants at Comfort Inn in December, the department seized $1,906 in cash, which has been ordered forfeited and turned over to the department.
Chief Mosca asked for letters of recognition for all officers and staff involved in bringing the Bokum Road incident to a safe and peaceful conclusion. He noted that the 3 School Resource Officers were immediately available and called to the scene, as has been planned for emergencies. He also noted that Donna Ladner and Jeanmarie Harvey were instrumental in contacting local residents with information and instructions. Motion made by Comsr. Dobratz and seconded by Comsr. Winkler to place letters of recognition to all department personnel involved in the Bokum Road incident. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
13. Sub-Committee Reports
Chairman Conklin reported that he, Comsr. Metsack and Lt. Spera have attended Board of Finance meetings, and as he reported previously, the Board has made no changes since the last printout of the proposed budget received by commissioners. He stated the Communications report had been given by Ptl. Gardner, and he asked for a motion to move to Executive Session to discuss labor negotiations.
Chairman Conklin thanked the commissioners for their participation and good work in their sub-committees and for their attendance at the DARE graduations.
Motion made by Comsr. Sparaco and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to move to Executive Session to discuss labor negotiations, and to invite Chief Mosca and Lt. Spera to remain. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Meeting moved to Executive Session at 8:48 p.m.
Meeting returned to open session at 8:58 p.m.
Motion to adjourn made by Comsr. Sparaco and seconded by Comsr. Winkler. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
JoAnne Klingerman
Executive Assistant
These minutes are subject to approval by the
Old Saybrook Police Commission at its
June 26, 2006 meeting.
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