OLD SAYBROOK POLICE COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
JANUARY 7, 2008
MINUTES
A special meeting of the Old Saybrook Police Commission was held on Monday, January 7, 2008 at the Old Saybrook Town Hall. PRESENT: Chairman Burnham, Vice Chairman Conklin, Commissioners Dobratz, Gallicchio, Metsack, Sparaco and Winkler. Also present were Chief Mosca and Lt. Spera.
1. Call to Order
Chairman Burnham called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Discussion/Action of Proposed 2008-2009 Fiscal Year Budget
Chief Mosca thanked the commission for calling a special meeting to discuss the proposed 2008-2009 budget. He explained the department began work on it in September, asking for input from employees and commissioners. He stated that Lt. Spera and JoAnne Klingerman have done most of the legwork in putting it together after staff meetings and discussions. He reported he feels all budget requests are reasonable and responsible, and explained that 5.3% of the 8.8% increase reflects the first increase of base pay and related categories for union officers since their contract expired on June 30, 2005. He reminded the commission that this was a tactical maneuver during negotiations, undertaken in concert with the understanding of the Police Commission, Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance, that this would cause an
unusually high increase in the first budget request after contract settlement. He gave the examples of top step patrolmen going from $50,594 to $58,056, and top step sergeants going from $58,096 to $66,663 in the new budget, rather than gradually over the last three budgets. He stated that the department is also asking for a new patrolman position effective January 1, 2009, which would be half the fiscal year and would effectively phase the expense into the budget. Chief Mosca asked Lt. Spera to explain the proposed budget in detail.
Lt. Spera provided a Power Point demonstration and explained the various details and reasoning of the budget proposal. He began with the Capital Budget proposal.
There was discussion regarding the advisability of purchasing three vehicles, the number of years the department has been denied its three-vehicle annual replacement practice, and the very expensive maintenance the now aged fleet requires. It was felt by the commission that this is an important line item to pursue.
Lt. Spera also explained the adjustment in eliminating the Heating and Air Conditioning Replacement request and increasing the Building Improvements because the aged and deteriorating building is experiencing various system failures in addition to heating and air conditioning, all of which must be addressed. During discussion, it was noted that unused Capital Building Improvement and Heating and Air Conditioning Replacement monies are placed in a sinking fund to be put toward building replacement. The amount in that fund, which is under the control of the Selectmen but earmarked for the Police Department building, will be reported at the next meeting.
Lt. Spera discussed the history of the firearms replacement line item, explaining that the request previously approved at the commission level, had been reduced by the Selectmen and the weapons could not be purchased. Since then, prices have gone up and new models have been developed. There was discussion regarding the planned purchase process, weapons currently available, training, and holster and magazine holder changes. It was noted that the unexpended money previously approved is in a sinking fund, to be put toward the purchase and related expenses.
Lt. Spera explained that the soft body armor request is for a system that would be work outside the uniform and could be worn in addition to that already in use to provide extra protection, and could also be carried in the personal vehicles of off duty officers for use if they are called in while away from home, during emergencies. This new body armor also provides identification of the individual as a police officer. The department is hoping for a federal grant to defray the cost of this purchase. If awarded, the grant would require a certain amount of funding by the town, and unused money in this line item would be turned back.
Lt. Spera discussed the necessity of all other line items including the canine bite suit, the patrol vehicle digital recording systems, the 911 training simulator, automatic defibrillators and the completion of the CI photo system.
Suspension of Agenda Item 2.
At this point in the meeting, Chairman Burnham suggested suspending discussions regarding Agenda Item 2, and moving to Agenda Items 3 and 4 due to the time and the fact that officer candidates had arrived for their scheduled interviews.
3. Executive Session
Motion made by Comsr. Metsack and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to move to Executive Session for the purpose of interviewing and discussing police officer candidates, and to invite Chief Mosca and Lt. Spera to attend. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Meeting moved to Executive Session at 7:07 p.m.
Meeting returned to regular session at 8:25 p.m.
4. Action Concerning Matters Discussed in Executive Session
Motion made by Comsr. Conklin and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to make an offer of employment to Thanousinh Souriyamath, conditional upon his successfully meeting the requirements of the remainder of the hiring process, P.O.S.T. training and field training. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Burnham instructed the Chief to notify Thanousinh Souriyamath of the offer of employment and conditions that must be met, and to send letters notifying the remaining two applicants that offers of employment will not be made.
Motion was made by Comsr. Conklin and seconded by Comsr. Winkler to continue the hiring process in order to fill the remaining open position. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Return to Agenda Item 2.
Lt. Spera explained the increase in the Personnel area of the operating budget proposal. He noted that while personnel numbers in other town departments have increased over the past several years to meet service demands, the police department has remained stagnant, and discussed the request for an additional officer to be hired half way through the fiscal year to phase in the expense. He also reported that 10 of the 19 current officers are eligible for retirement in the next five years. Three are eligible now and two can retire in one year. Because it takes at least 18 months to get an officer on the road, from the beginning of the hiring process to the end of field training, it is imperative that the department prepare now to fill the expected vacancies to avoid depletion of personnel. He noted that
Clinton Police Department is currently in the same position, and has already begun the hiring process in anticipation of vacancies.
Lt. Spera also explained the increase in officer overtime rates due to a Federal Law that sets forth a new overtime calculation formula. This impacts Special Community Events line items and Vacation, Sick and Overtime line items, which are already calculated much lower than commonly used formulas.
There was discussion of the increasing number of community events and road races, which are greatly impacting the police budget, and the possibility of billing agencies that host these events. After discussion, it was determined that because it would be difficult or not possible to bill certain non-community events, it would be unfair to bill community events, and these items must continue to be borne by the department.
Specifics and details of increases and reductions in other line items were discussed.
The commission praised Lt. Spera for the preparation and presentation of this budget.
Motion made by Comsr. Conklin to approve the Capital and Operating budget proposal for the 2008-2009 fiscal year, as presented. Motion seconded by Comsr. Dobratz and approved unanimously.
Chief Mosca said he will be sure commissioners are notified of budget meetings with the Selectmen as soon as they are scheduled.
5. Adjournment
Comsr. Gallicchio moved to adjourn the meeting. Comsr. Winkler seconded the motion and vote was unanimous in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
JoAnne Klingerman
Executive Assistant
These Minutes subject to approval by the
Old Saybrook Police Commission at its
January 14, 2008 meeting.
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