OLD SAYBROOK POLICE COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 25, 2008
MINUTES
A regular meeting of the Old Saybrook Police Commission was held on Monday, February 25, 2008 at the Old Saybrook Town Hall. PRESENT: Chairman Burnham, Vice Chairman Conklin, Commissioners Dobratz, Gallicchio, Metsack and Winkler. Also present were Chief Mosca and Lt. Spera.
I. Call to Order
Chairman Burnham called the meting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. Minutes
Chairman Burnham asked for discussion or approval of the Minutes of the January 14, 2008 meeting. Motion was made by Comsr. Winkler and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to accept the Minutes of the January 14, 2008 meeting, as submitted. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
III. Comments from the Public
Chairman Burnham reported receiving a letter from Municipal Cemetery Committee regarding automobiles being parked on grassy areas outside the cemetery. Jane Sypher, Chairman and Evaughn Fontes, Secretary of the committee, were present and stated that these cars block access to the cemetery, and asked for the area to be posted as no parking. Chief Mosca responded that the department has noticed cars parked there. He said this problem will be taken into consideration and included in recommendations to be made concerning traffic management in connection with the affordable housing project, which will take place over the next 12 to 18 months. Until then, a temporary resolution will be made.
Chairman Burnham stated she received an email dated February 25th from Robert and Gail Antoniac, with a request that she read it to the commission. Chairman Burnham read the letter, a copy of which is attached to and made a part of these Minutes.
IV. Workshop
Chairman Burnham stated the reason for this workshop is for the commission to learn about scheduling, manpower allocation and the department structure. Chief Mosca stated his appreciation for the opportunity to present the details of how much work and consideration go into the deployment of personnel, the limitations the department has, and the fundamentals of how it operates. Lt. Spera relayed the information and explanations with the help of a lengthy Power Point presentation, explaining the importance and difficulties in maintaining proper shift coverage while also respecting vacation and personal time requests, sick time needs and other scheduling issues that directly affect payroll, productivity and quality of life issues for officers.
Chairman Burnham stated she felt the presentation provided a very good basis for commissioners to use in making decisions regarding the number of officers the department needs. Comsr. Dobratz said he would like the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance to view this presentation, to get the message out that more personnel are badly needed. Chief Mosca responded that it could be done in a workshop setting, but that it might be more effective if done before the next budget process, because the current process is so far underway. Chairman Burnham reported that she and Comsr. Metsack had attended a budgeting meeting with the Board of Selectmen, and agreed that this is the kind of information the commission needs to get out. The commission thanked Lt. Spera for the clarity and amount of valuable information presented.
V. Executive Division Reports
A. Financial
1. 07-08 Operating Budget
Chief Mosca noted that commissioners had Expenses & Supplies print-outs in their packets. He noted that 65% of the year has expired and 61% of the bottom line has been expended, and offered to answer any questions. Comsr. Metsack suggested that a list be prepared for each meeting, explaining expenditures from each line item since the previous meeting. After discussion, it was decided that this would be very time consuming, both for preparation and review, and that bills are available for review at the department should any questions arise. Chairman Burnham stated the print-out is now forwarded to commissioners in advance of the meeting so they can review it and have questions answered at the meeting.
2. Asset Forfeiture
Chief Mosca reported the Asset Forfeiture account balance remains at $14,355.52.
3. Capital Sinking Funds
Chief Mosca reported the balance in the Capital Sinking Fund remains at $88,750.29.
4. 08-09 Budget
Chief Mosca reported that Chairman Burnham, Comsr. Metsack, Lt. Spera and he met with the Board of Selectmen for approximately 2 ½ hours, during which time the proposed budget was thoroughly discussed. Chairman Burnham said they were informed that the town has lost revenue this year and the mil rate will have to go up, but the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance would like to keep the increase at less than one mil. Because the Board of Education and Police Department have the largest budgets, with Personnel being the largest item in those budgets, they are looking to cut $34,000 to $36,000 from our operating budget, and make cuts in our capital budget as well. Chief Mosca said he has discussed cuts with staff and Chairman Burnham, and presented a budget that has integrity. This included cutting the new
patrolman to be hired halfway through the fiscal year, but he feels the selectmen may support a request to the Board of Finance to fund that position later in the fiscal year. The Chief reported that during discussions about the capital budget, the selectmen suggested purchasing one SUV only, for $36,000. The Chief asked for $10,000 more in order to purchase two patrol cars and no SUV, which would better help the fleet. The selectmen agreed with this proposal. A handout was distributed listing proposed reductions in both the operating and capital budgets for commissioners to review. There was discussion of various items, including the continued integrity of the handguns in use, which has been assured by Lt. Stuart, so that purchase can be put off until the 09-10 Fiscal Year. Motion was made by Comsr. Conklin and seconded by Comsr. Winkler to accept the proposed revisions to the capital and operating budgets as presented. Motion
carried by unanimous vote.
B. Personnel
1. Chief Mosca reported the resignation of full time dispatcher, David McDonald.
2. Chief Mosca reported that Patrolman Sinh Souriyamath is presently at the academy and will graduate on the evening of July 1st. He invited commissioners to attend the graduation, indicating the department would provide transportation. He asked the commissioners to make a note of the date, and indicated he will remind them of the graduation as the date draws closer.
3. Chief Mosca reported that Dispatcher Dahlstrom had made a great effort and fine use of his skills during a 911 call from a cell phone by a person located in Long Island, threatening to commit suicide. Dispatcher Dahlstrom's efforts in handling this difficult call resulted in authorities in Long Island finding the subject just in time, as he was hanging himself. The Chief stated that Lt. Stuart, his supervisor at the time, had requested a letter of recognition be placed in his file. Motion made by Comsr. Conklin and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to place a letter of recognition in Dispatcher Dahlstrom's file for his fine job in performing his duties and preventing a suicide. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
4. Chief Mosca reported that a new full time dispatcher, John Flaherty, has been hired to fill the vacancy left by David McDonald.
5. Chairman Burnham said she would like to get the sergeant promotional process moving along. She distributed a handout that listed and compared four possible sources for the written exam. The commission compared the various test sources, options and costs, and discussed security, timing of the tests and options for administration of the test. After lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Comsr. Conklin and seconded by Comsr. Winkler to enter into a contract with Standard & Associates, Inc. to provide and grade the written test, and to supply the $10 study guide to each applicant at the expense of the department. Motion carried by unanimous vote. The commission hopes to administer the test in May.
C. Department Sub-Committees
Chief Mosca reported that the Uniforms, Firearms and Soft Body Armor Sub-Committees have nothing new to report since the last meeting.
Chief Mosca reported that the Missing Persons Directive discussed at the January meeting has been completed, to include a written check list, in order to be in compliance with the law. A copy of the directive was included with the agendas.
D. Comments, Ideas and/or Concerns of the Chief
1. Chief's Activities
Chief Mosca called attention to the report of his activities since the last meeting, which are beyond his normal duties as Chief of Police.
2. Proposed Ferry Road Town Park
Chief Mosca reported he attended a multi-agency meeting conducted by the First Selectman regarding a proposed town park on Ferry Road. He explained that it would include an indoor sports complex to be run by Parks and Recreation, and attainable housing which would be developed by the HOPE Partnership. This property would be owned by the Town of Old Saybrook and leased on a long-term basis to the HOPE Partnership for $1 for 99 years. The selectmen believe that the entire project could be developed through the use of grants and would most likely incur no tax dollars. Chief Mosca reported that he saw no public safety issues or negative impact regarding the roads and traffic in the area. Chief Mosca indicated the First Selectman asked for a letter from the Police Commission expressing support for the project.
Comsr. Dobratz noted the town keeps building and expanding, but does not want to increase police personnel. After further discussion, a motion was made by Comsr. Conklin and seconded by Comsr. Gallicchio to send a letter to the selectmen indicating the Police Commission's support of the project. Motion carried by unanimous vote in favor.
3. Police Memorial Dinner - May 5, 2008
Chief Mosca reported the Police Memorial Foundation is hosting a dinner at Aqua Turf on May 5, 2008. Joe Carter, Adjutant General for the State of Massachusetts National Guard and Past President of IACP, will speak. Chief Mosca invited the commission to attend.
4. NEACOP
Chief Mosca reminded the commission that the New England Association of Chiefs of Police annual training conference will be held in Old Saybrook from September 7th to September 9th, and that details will be reported as they develop.
VI. Field Services Division Reports
A. Professional Development Activities.
Chief Mosca indicated the Professional Development Activities report was included in each commissioner's packet and asked for questions. None were presented.
B. Activity Report
Chief Mosca indicated the Activity Report for the period January 9, 2008 to February 20, 2008 was included in each commissioner's packet and asked for questions. Chairman Burnham asked when the department began posting arrests on the web site, and the Chief indicated that practice had begun approximately two years ago.
Chief Mosca also reported there was a fire in the building on Sunday, the 24th. He reported a dehumidifier in the basement has burned up and filled the building with acrid smoke. The Fire Department responded with several trucks. Chief Mosca said this problem is symptomatic of the building's weakened and taxed infrastructure.
VII. Support Services Division Reports
A. Traffic
1. Affordable Housing -North Main Street
Chief Mosca reported that the intent of the developer is to widen and broaden the intersection of Main Street and Route 1; however, he feels an advanced left turn signal would alleviate the projected problems, along with other improvements to the area such as sidewalks and no-parking areas. He noted the department has opposed the use of Burger King and Grouse Perch as emergency vehicle access, but feels the State Traffic Control may encourage the use of the Grouse Perch parking lot for this purpose. The development would include approximately 160 units, in 3-story buildings.
Chairman Burnham asked when the state may close the traffic openings on the north end of Main Street and the Chief stated that a resolution is still being sought regarding the second opening before work begins.
Chief Mosca asked for approval of a letter he drafted to the State Traffic Commission outlining the commission's recommendations, as local traffic authority, in connection with this project. Motion made by Comsr. Gallicchio and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to authorize the letter the Chief drafted to the State Traffic Commission, outlining the commission's recommendations in connection with the affordable housing project on North Main Street. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
B. Emergency Communications
There was nothing new to report.
VIII. Correspondence
Correspondence received since the last meeting was in packets for commissioners to review. Chairman Burnham noted the appreciation for the work that is done by the department reflected in the letters.
IX. Comments and Concerns of Commissioners
Comsr. Conklin stated he was very upset that an individual commissioner was being quoted in the paper regarding the Mac Fund, and that he was very disappointed at the remarks that were made, because the Mac Fund is not a Police Commission matter. He stated he did not agree with what Comsr. Metsack had done, and that he should not speak as a Police Commissioner, but as a public individual on matters that do not come under the jurisdiction of the commission. Comsr. Winkler stated she also disagreed with Comsr. Metsack's actions. Chairman Burnham stated that no commissioners have authority to act on their own, but that their authority lies in acting as a commission. Comsr. Conklin stated that this matter was very upsetting to him, and said he would like to make some recommendations at a future meeting. Other
commissioners stated they would like to hear his recommendations at this meeting. Comsr. Conklin stated that commissioners are elected by the citizens of the town to carry out their duties as a commission. Within the commission, elections are held to establish a board, being the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary, to carry out particular duties. He stated that, as in the Police Department, he feels a spokesperson for the commission should be appointed or elected to act as information officer. This would ensure that public statements would reflect the position of the commission, and place better control over people using their title to serve their personal agendas. Chairman Burnham agreed the commission should talk about having someone to disseminate information if it comes out with the commission's name on it. Comsr. Dobratz stated he feels this might be an infringement on freedom of speech. Comsr. Metsack stated he feels this
would be censorship, and he will not be censored. Chairman Burnham said the commission will talk further about the matter at a later meeting.
Comsr. Gallicchio asked if there has been a resolution to the grievance discussed at the last meeting. Chief Mosca stated a letter, suggested at the last meeting, was not sent, due to the request of counsel, who is speaking with Ron Surraci. At this time, he reports no results.
X. Adjournment
Motion made by Comnsr. Conklin and seconded by Comsr. Winkler to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Meeting adjourned at 10:12 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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