OLD SAYBROOK POLICE COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 14, 2008
MINUTES
A regular meeting of the Old Saybrook Police Commission was held on Monday, January 24, 2008 at the Old Saybrook Town Hall. PRESENT: Chairman Burnham, Commissioners Dobratz, Gallicchio, Metsack, and Sparaco. Also present were Lt. Spera and Det. Sgt. Heiney.
I. Call to Order
Chairman Burnham called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. She noted that Vice Chairman Conklin is away on business, and that Comsr. Winkler is ill. Chairman Burnham commented that she feels the new style meeting agenda and information packets distributed to Commission members are beneficial. Other members of the Commission also agreed.
II. Minutes
A. Chairman Burnham asked for discussion or approval of the Minutes of the December 10, 2007 Regular Meeting of the Police Commission. Motion was made by Comsr. Dobratz and seconded by Comsr. Sparaco to approve the Minutes of the December 10, 2007 regular meeting as submitted. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
B. Chairman Burnham asked for discussion or approval of the Minutes of the January 7, 2008 Special Meeting of the Police Commission. Motion was made by Comsr. Gallicchio and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to approve the Minutes of the January 7, 2008 special meeting as submitted. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
III. Comments from the Public
No members of the public were present.
IV. Executive Division Reports
Lieutenant Spera advised the Commission that Chief Mosca is away tending to his duties as Vice President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police in California and Missouri. Chairman Burnham asked Lt. Spera to give the Executive Division Reports.
A. Financial
1. 07-08 Operating Budget
Lt. Spera referred commissioners to the Expenses & Supplies print-out in their packets. Comsr. Metsack asked how individual line items could be over expended, and Lt. Spera explained that while certain line items may run more than planned, and certain line items may run less, the department watches all line items very closely to ensure the bottom line of each budget area remains in the black.
2. Asset Forfeiture
Lt. Spera reported the balance of Asset Forfeiture is still $14, 355.52.
3. Capital Sinking Funds
Lt. Spera reported the balance in the capital sinking fund is $88,750.29, which reflects all amounts placed there, including firearm replacement, digital cameras for police vehicles and monies set aside for a new police facility. He explained that this amount is designated as a Police Department sinking fund and monies are shown as a single, combined balance.
4. 08-09 Budget - Selectmen & Board of Finance Meetings
Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance meeting schedules were distributed and Lt. Spera indicated that at the request of the Chief of Police and Commission Chairman, he plans to attend all upcoming Board of Finance meetings to respond to any budget questions that may arise, and invited and encouraged all commissioners also to attend. He said that when budget workshop meetings are scheduled, first with the Board of Selectmen and then with the Board of Finance, commissioners will be notified immediately in hopes they can attend. Chairman Burnham distributed a memorandum under her signature that will accompany the budget to the Selectmen and members of the Board of Finance. Lt. Spera gave the commission a breakdown of what percentage each portion of the budget reflects, and Chairman Burnham noted that Fixed
Charges is directly affected by fluctuations in monies allocated for personnel, including salary increases due to the settlement of the police contract. Comsr. Dobratz thanked Lt. Spera for his excellent presentation of the budget proposal at the January 7th special meeting, and everyone at the department who contributed to the budget preparation.
B. Personnel
1. New Addition to OSPD Family
Lt Spera reported that Ptl. Bergantino and his wife, Carrie, are the proud parents of a son, Aaron, born on December 19th.
2. New Employees
Lt. Spera reported that Thanousinh Souriyamath was thrilled to be notified of his selection by the Police Commission to be offered a position as patrolman. He reported "Sinh's" progress in the remaining screenings, and that he is expected to participate in the next class at the academy.
Lt. Spera reported the department is in the process of hiring a new dispatcher.
3. Employee Discipline
Lt. Spera reported that in accordance with the departments rules and regulations the Chief wanted to inform the commission that he had been made aware that an employee may have mishandled a 911 call. The Chief then ordered an internal investigation be conducted. The internal investigation that was guided by legal counsel and included a two-part Loudermill hearing, revealed that a 911 call was mishandle and that internal procedures were not followed. The Chief met with the Police Commission Chairman as well as with the First Selectman to discuss the issue and the discipline he intended to impose. Because the employee involved is part of the AFSME bargaining unit, the contract requires that prior to any discipline being imposed the First Selectman must concur, which he did. Therefore, the Chief suspended the
dispatcher for ten days and will require the dispatcher to attended retraining classes prior to returning to work.
4. Sergeant Promotional Process
Lt. Spera reported that all eligible officers responded with their intentions regarding the Patrol Sergeant promotional exam. Only one officer indicated he will not participate for personal reasons, and all others indicated their interest in competing. Lt. Spera stated that participation of officers in this process greatly benefits individual officers and the department as a whole, and the Chief is quite pleased with the level of interest shown. There was lengthy discussion regarding various aspects of the testing process, including administration of the test, content, grade weights, professional resources, fairness and transparency. Chairman Burnham suggested that more information be gathered and this item be placed on the agenda for further discussion at the next meeting.
C. Department Sub-Committees
Lt. Spera stated that the Chief wanted it reported there are currently three department sub-committees working diligently, and he is creating a new Rules & Regulations/Accreditation Committee. He will appoint Det. Sgt. Heiney and two patrolmen to serve on the committee as well as a member of the administration who will serve as the chair. Chairman Burnham indicated she has spoken to the Chief about his new committee and has asked Comsrs. Gallicchio and Metsack, both of whom have agreed, to serve on the committee and serve as liaisons to the Commission.
Lt. Spera reported there is a new state law requiring a policy or directive setting forth procedure to be followed in missing person cases. The department's current practices are already in concert with the new state mandate. However the Chief will issue a directive to all personnel detailing the new State mandate as well as provide a check-off list of procedures to be followed when persons are reported missing. When the new directive is completed a copy will be furnished to the Commission.
1. Uniforms
Lt. Spera explained that the last change in uniforms was in the mid-1980's. With the development of new fabrics, safety features and safety guidelines, the department is looking into new Class A's, which are dress uniforms; new Class B's, which are regular daily patrol wear; and additional Class C's, which would be tactical uniforms worn during training and critical incidents such as serious storms or search and rescue operations. This committee is also exploring alternative funding. The final proposal will be presented to the commission for approval. This committee has also been charged with expanding the department's awards program, to make award insignia that would be worn on uniforms similar to those used by the Fire Department.
Lt. Spera reported the Firearms and Soft Body Armor sub-committees are still active.
D. Comments, Ideas and/or Concerns of the Chief
1. Chief's Activities
Lt. Spera called attention to the Chief's report of recent activities, beyond his normal activities as Chief of the department, in which he has participated.
2. Taser Proposal/Presentation
Lt. Spera reported the Chief would like to know the commission's feelings about scheduling a Taser demonstration. The commission expressed interest, asking that it be scheduled in the spring, after the budget process is complete. Discussion followed regarding Taser's technological advances, Taser threat to officers, training, policy and funding.
3. Citizen Police Academy Graduation
Det. Sgt. Heiney reported the next class will be the 8th and last class, and will be the "shoot, don't shoot" segment of the program. He described the training given and the expected experience of the participants. He also reported that graduation will be held on January 24th at 6:30 p.m. at the pavilion at Saybrook Point, and extended an invitation for commissioners to attend.
4. NEACOP
Lt. Spera reported the department is working on the professional development schedule for the conference, which will be held from September 7th to September 10th. The commission will be given information about the conference as it develops.
V. Field Services Division Reports
A. Training Report
Lt. Spera noted that the Training Report was in commissioner's packets. In response to a question, he discussed the dangers of clandestine labs and reported that two officers are receiving training in clandestine labs, which they will pass on to all officers in the department. He noted that this occurred last year during a professional development day that focused on officer safety issues.
B. Activity Report (Dec. 10, 2007 - Jan. 14, 2008)
Det. Sgt. Heiney reported that the written report covers activity to January 9, 2008, and that since that date, there was another untimely death, which affects the town in a sensitive way. He described grief counseling planned at the schools, and counseling that has taken place at the town library.
C. Youth Services - Quarterly Reports
Lt. Spera reported that Youth Services and School Resource Officer reports will be made to the commission quarterly beginning in March, and described the process to be followed to compile those reports.
D.Community Events
Det. Sgt. Heiney reported that a private birthday party is scheduled at Saybrook Point Inn and the group is planning a short fireworks display on the river. He discussed various considerations, including the status of the permit process, weather concerns, Marine Patrol plans and police coverage. Chairman Burnham stated that because this is not a community event, any extra police expense is of concern to the commission. Det. Sgt. Heiney indicated that there is a statute that requires the planner to bear the expense of policing, and Lt. Spera stated that the Chief can require the group to hire an officer if it appears one will be needed depending on advance publicity and the possibility of a number of spectators gathering in the area.
VI. Support Services Division Reports
A. Traffic-Nothing to report
B. Emergency Communications
Lt. Spera described site work that is being done at all three sites, and reported negotiations are still under way with Crown Castle and Sprint for the tower site on Middlesex Turnpike.
Chairman Burnham asked if the radar trailer has slowed traffic on Old Post Road. Lt. Spera responded that after the box was placed for a period of time, written warnings were issued and then infractions. He stated the speed problem seems to have been resolved by the issuance of infractions.
VII. Correspondence
Commissioners stated that upon review of the correspondence, it appears officers show a great deal of sensitivity and caring in performing their duties.
VIII. Comments and Concerns of Commissioners
Comsr. Gallicchio asked for the subject and status of the union grievance reported at the December 10th meeting. Lt. Spera reported the Chief met with the union steward, who was not familiar with the reason for the grievance or the contract article that was violated. The Chief gave the union steward time to gather this information, but has not heard from him. A letter is to be sent requesting a response by a certain date, or the department will consider the grievance closed.
Comsr. Dobratz again thanked Lt. Spera and involved department staff for the fine job in preparing the 08-09 budget.
Chairman Burnham said that in connection with hiring new personnel, she has asked the Chief for workshops, to begin at the next meeting, to discuss scheduling, structure, reasons for overtime, and other items that would be of help to the commission in decision making. Suggestion was made and agreement reached to begin the next meeting with a workshop at 7:00 p.m.
Motion made by Comsr. Gallicchio and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to adjourn. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
JoAnne Klingerman
Executive Assistant
These Minutes are subject to approval at the
next regular meeting of the Old Saybrook
Police Commission.
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