OLD SAYBROOK POLICE COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
July 23, 2007
The regular monthly meeting of the Old Saybrook Police Commission was held on Monday, July 23, 2007 at the Old Saybrook Town Hall. PRESENT: Vice Chairman Gallicchio, Commissioners Burnham, Dobratz, Metsack, Sparaco and Winkler. Also present were Chief Mosca, Lt McDonald and Lt. Spera.
Vice Chairman Gallicchio called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. He reported Chairman Conklin would be late.
1. Minutes
Vice Chairman Gallicchio asked for discussion or approval of the Minutes of the April 23, 2007 regular meeting. Motion was made by Comsr. Metsack and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to accept the Minutes of the April 23, 2007 regular meeting as submitted. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Vice Chairman Gallicchio asked for discussion or approval of the Minutes of the July 2, 2007 special meeting. Motion was made by Comsr. Winkler and seconded by Comsr. Sparaco to accept the Minutes of the July 2, 2007 meeting, as submitted. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
2. Comments from the Public
A member of the public asked about the status of the recent infant death case, and Chief Mosca responded to the question.
3. 06-07 Operating & Capital Budget
Chief Mosca reported that unaudited figures indicate the department ended the fiscal year well in the black. He reported that while some line items were in the red, such as Gasoline and Vehicle Maintenance, several others ended in the black due to careful management, keeping the department's bottom line in the black.
Chief Mosca reported the Asset Forfeiture Account balance to be $14,075.52.
Comsr. Metsack asked how the Asset Forfeiture Account is funded, and Chief Mosca described the application and distribution process for qualifying items. Comsr. Metsack asked to see the activity history and Chief Mosca said he could come in any time.
4. 07-08 Budget
Chief Mosca reported that one car has been delivered, and 2 have been delayed due to Ford shutting down for vacation. However, all cars will be 2008 models at 2007 prices.
The Chief stated there was no expenditure print-out for operating expenses having just begun the fiscal year.
Chief Mosca reported the department will begin work on the 2008-2009 Budget in September. He asked commissioners to let him know of any items they would like to have incorporated.
5. Personnel
Chief Mosca reported the following personnel items:
Ptl. Ziolkovski successfully completed a 5-week back to work program and has begun working on his own.
Ptl. DellaRocco has resigned and taken a job with the state judicial department. He has also filed an EEOC complaint against the town, which town attorneys and CIRMA are handling.
The Explorers have worked at every special event, receiving additional training as they go along. Several will be assisting at the upcoming art show. Community Service Officers, approved at the last meeting, will also work at the art show.
Jim Kiako will begin work on July 25th. He is very excited to have been hired and will begin on a part time basis, and will go to full time if his status at Pfizers changes by September.
Comsr. Gallicchio asked if the department will fill the vacant personnel position, and Chief Mosca stated that tests will be given on August 10th to begin the process.
The Chief reported there was an FBI secret espionage investigation in the area for a period of time, to which he had assigned Lt. Spera. The case has moved on, and the FBI presented Lt. Spera with a letter and a plaque in appreciation for his help.
On behalf of Det. Sgt. Heiney, who was excused from the meeting, Chief Mosca reported on a serious boating accident in the Connecticut River, and described a situation that resulted in a Sea Tow boat being overturned, causing 3 occupants to be thrown into the water. A boat with no operator, which had already rammed a sailboat causing injury and death, was moving toward the 3 people in the water. Marine Patrol Officer Grant Westerson, who had successfully warned many other boaters to stay clear of the area, pushed the renegade boat, tugboat style, to hold it back so the people in the water could be rescued. The Chief asked that a letter of recognition for his heroic actions be forwarded to Officer Westerson and placed in his file. Motion was made by Comsr. Burnham and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to forward a
letter of recognition to Grant Westerson for his life-saving actions. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
6. Accreditation
At Chief Mosca's request Lt. Spera explained the changes to the replacement Sexual Harassment policy, which had been mailed to commissioners for their inspection. He stated the replacement policy includes prevention and reporting additions, and also establishes disciplinary actions. Motion was made by Comsr. Sparaco and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to approve the replacement Sexual Harassment Policy. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
7. Training
Lt. McDonald reported that all officers have completed mandatory firearms recertification training. He stated that Ptl. Kiako was certified in Chester through the Law Enforcement Council, and that his records will be transferred to this department.
8. Traffic
Chief Mosca reported that an audible crosswalk warning on Route 1, which was requested by a blind citizen, has been approved by the state and has been installed.
Chief Mosca reported he and Ptl. Gardner have reviewed plans submitted with the Big Y application, and he has forwarded a letter to the Zoning Commission indicating his recommendations including a change to the entrance, cutting out some turns and erecting a fence in the back for safety in the area of the railroad tracks. The Chief also recommended a traffic light at Chalker Beach. The State disagreed, and the Chief suggested a contingency account be established by the developer in case a light is needed in the future. He understands Zoning will render a decision in August.
Chief Mosca reported that he had not received plans for the affordable housing on North Main Street. He said he read Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes and learned there were plans to use Burger King as an emergency access. The Chief disagreed with the advisability of this plan, and contacted the Fire Marshall, who disapproved the plan. Currently, access is expected through the Grouse Perch, which the Chief is not comfortable with. He is waiting for plans to be submitted for inspection. He indicated a judge has decreed this complex will go forward, providing 186 units.
Chief Mosca indicated the state has approved the closing of the first cut-through at the head of Main Street, but has denied the second, pending agreement by Star Bucks. The Selectmen's office is working with Star Bucks in an effort to obtain their agreement. The Chief feels safety will be enhanced in the area if the first cut-through is in the area of the Post Office driveway.
9. Communications
Chief Mosca reported a huge slab of concrete has been poured behind the Police Department in preparation for the erection of the tower. He expects developments to be reported at the next meeting.
10. Events
Chief Mosca reported the Chase Fireworks went off without incident, and that traffic was cleared in a matter of minutes. He stated that Lt. McDonald cooked a delicious roast beef dinner and served over 100 town and mutual aid personnel. He did an outstanding job and will cook again to feed personnel assigned to the concert and fireworks at Saybrook Point on August 12th.
The Chief reported the Art Show will take place on July 28th and 29th, to which personnel and Explorers are assigned.
Chief Mosca reminded commissioners of the New England Association of Chiefs of Police 82nd Annual Training Conference, which the department is hosting, and which takes place from September 9 to 11 at Saybrook Point. He invited commissioners to any social or training events, and said they will be contacted in the near future with details. He urged commissioners to mark their calendars and make every attempt to attend.
11. Correspondence
Correspondence received since the April 23, 2007 meeting was circulated for commissioners to review.
12. Activity Report
A written Activity Report was submitted for commissioners to review, a copy of which is attached to and made a part of these Minutes.
13. Comments & Concerns of Commissioners
Commissioner Gallicchio asked if the department is familiar with new wireless Tasers. Chief Mosca stated that Taser has made significant changes including wireless models and models with cameras. The Chief intends to have Taser do a presentation so the commission can see the pros and cons of this equipment. He also indicated they may make a presentation at the NEACOP Conference, and the Chief will let commissioners know.
Comsr. Metsack asked where the conference will be held, and the Chief indicated it would be held at Saybrook Point, describing the plans for exhibits, vendors, training and technology events, as well as a short ceremony planned for he morning of September 11th in honor of those who perished on that day and NEACOP members who have passed since.
Comsr. Gallicchio stated that he received a letter from Janet Wysocki in April, which was sent to all commissioners and the Chief, and asked what response was made. Chief Mosca stated he had looked into the matter and found there was a misunderstanding. The Chief talked with Lt. Spera, who went to her home and discussed the matter with her. He stated the matter was handled the day the letter was received. Chief Mosca stated he talks with Chairman Conklin several times per week to keep him up to date on issues, and had reported the matter was a misunderstanding and there was no animosity.
Comsr. Gallicchio asked if there was any movement on the Miller case and Chief Mosca reported Det. Sgt. Heiney had talked about it with him during the last month, and he will ask him if there are any developments to report at the next meeting.
Comsr. Burnham asked what the department is doing about people running lights on Route 1. Chief Mosca stated that with the force being two people and one supervisor down, patrolling traffic is a significant problem. He reported that typically in the summer, additional patrol cars are out. This summer he is unable to man additional patrol cars or bicycle patrols. He indicated that increased calls for service, which is typical in the summer months, have made it difficult to patrol traffic. He stated that tickets are, however, being given every day, and that he himself has stopped people, and is attempting to step up patrols.
14. Sub-committee reports
No sub-committee reports were made.
15. Executive Session
Motion was made by Comsr. Burnham to move to Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations, and promotions and appointments; and to invite Chief Mosca and Lt. Spera to attend, to give testimony. Motion seconded by Comsr. Sparaco and carried by unanimous vote.
Meeting moved to Executive Session at 8:24 p.m.
Meeting returned to regular session at 8:35 p.m.
The commission indicated it would table action on contract negotiations and on promotions and appointments until the next meeting.
Chairman Conklin arrived at 8:37 p.m. Discussion was held about scheduling a special meeting on August 27th. Chairman Conklin said he will schedule one, with lieutenant promotions and contract negotiations on the agenda.
Motion to adjourn was made by Comsr. Metsack and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
JoAnne Klingerman
Executive Assistant
These minutes subject to approval at a future
meeting of the Old Saybrook Police
Commission.
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