OLD SAYBROOK POLICE COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
MINUTES
A regular meeting of the Old Saybrook Police Commission was held on Monday, September 22, 2008 at the Old Saybrook Town Hall. PRESENT: Chairman Burnham, Commissioners Dobratz, Gallicchio, Metsack, Sparaco and Winkler. Deputy Chief Spera was also present.
I. Call to Order
Chairman Burnham called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. Minutes
Chairman Burnham asked for discussion or approval of the Minutes of the July 21, 2008 regular meeting. Motion made by Comsr. Dobratz and seconded by Comsr. Metsack to approve the Minutes of the July 21, 2008 regular meeting, as submitted. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
III. Comments from the Public
No comments were offered.
IV. Executive Division Reports
A. Financial Division Reports
Deputy Chief Spera reported that Chief Mosca was not in attendance due to family obligations.
1. Deputy Chief Spera noted the Expenses & Supplies Account Summary shows the budget to be 47% expended. He explained that due to escalating gasoline prices, the department joined with municipal government and the Board of Education, and pre-purchased gasoline. He reported that the department uses between 22,000 and 24,000 gallons each year, and that 20,400 gallons were purchased at $3.64 per gallon initially, and 600 gallons were purchased the next day at $3.69 per gallon to total 21,000 gallons. Deputy Chief Spera reported that heating oil is negotiated and purchased by the town for all departments. Two Thousand Four Hundred gallons were purchased for the Police Department at $4.2142 per gallon, which includes taxes, and payment was made from the Police Department budget. The
price per gallon figure was not available at the meeting, and is included in these minutes per request of Comsr. Metsack.
Comsr. Sparaco suggested a letter go to the Board of Finance to advise them of a possible shortfall in the department's budget, and it was decided to wait a short time to see how future expenditures affect the budget.
Comsr. Gallicchio asked about the account number for the Police Canine line, and it was explained that Bookkeeping has changed that number twice, and the current number should remain.
a. Deputy Chief Spera reported both new vehicles are in and are currently at Whelen Engineering for installation of lights. They will then have computers and LoJack installed, and he expects them to be on the road and in use by early or mid November.
2. Deputy Chief Spera reported the Asset Forfeiture balance to be $15,418.46.
3. Deputy Chief Spera reported the Capital Sinking Fund balance to be $90,550.29.
4. Chairman Burnham noted that in accordance with copies in commissioners' packets, Comsr. Metsack sent a letter to Chief Mosca asking for written explanations of various line items in the 07-08 Budget. The item was placed on the agenda so that all commissioners could have the answers to Comsr. Metsack's questions. Comsr. Metsack stated that most of his questions had been explained, but that he still had foggy areas, the first being the Vehicle Maintenance line item, and why it was so far over expended. Deputy Chief Spera said that as the Chief has frequently reported, the aging fleet is very costly to maintain. He stated that the traditional, and much less costly practice of replacing three front-line vehicles per year has not been done for several years, and that furthermore, the
requested funds to pay for extended warrantees were taken out of the department's capital budget request. Therefore, the department is in a position of having to pay higher than usual maintenance charges and large sums for major repairs to keep the fleet safe for whatever demands may be placed upon it as first responders. Commissioner Sparaco added that mileage is not a measure of engine wear because of the kind of miles driven and the many hours vehicles must idle.
Commissioner Metsack asked what kinds of expenditures come out of Miscellaneous Small Equipment. Deputy Chief Spera read the line item description from the 2007-2008 budget book, which was provided to commissioners during the budget process. He stated that the description is broken down as best possible to demonstrate that this line item functions to cover many purchases of many divisions throughout the year, and gave examples. He reminded Comsr. Metsack that he had come in to review and discuss bills throughout the year; that we have expanded the Expenses and Supplies report supplied on a monthly basis; workshops on the department's budget and the payment of bills and selection of vendors were presented. And the Deputy Chief also invited him to contact him or the Chief at any time whenever he has questions on the
bills.
Commissioner Metsack asked where the funds to cover the $30,000 shortfall in Expenses and Supplies were taken from. Deputy Chief Spera explained that when the budget is presented, it is broken into four main parts, all of which contribute to the bottom line number. He said the department watches those budget areas throughout the year, so that if one area of the budget becomes overspent due to unexpected expenses, such as the escalating gasoline prices that impact operating expenses or a major crime event that impacts payroll, spending is reduced in other areas in an effort to keep the department's bottom line in the black. He stated that, to the Chief's credit, in all of Chief Mosca's tenure, the department has not run in the red. For Fiscal Year 2007-2008, the department ended the fiscal year $59,000 in the black in
the operating budget. Chairman Burnham asked if this amount was due in large to having been unable to replace an officer, and Deputy Chief Spera said it was, including salary and insurances. He also repeated his invitation for Commissioner Metsack to call or come in any time he has questions about the budget.
B. Personnel
Deputy Chief Spera reported that Patrolman Souriyamath has completed his Field Training Program, and that his Field Training Officers feel he is a perfect fit for the department and capable of doing the job on his own. He will have his first shift alone this evening, and tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, will meet with the Chief and Deputy Chief to review his progress and go over expectations. It was noted that there is still one vacancy open, which the commission has attempted to fill several times. Candidates on the next list from the Law Enforcement Counsel will be reviewed. The department is also looking to alternative means of attracting officers, and is pooling resources with other departments to keep testing costs low. The Deputy Chief reported that all departments in the Eastern Region have vacancies, and that
our department does not compare well in categories of pay, benefits, and pension, which are heavily considered by candidates.
C. Chief's Activities
Deputy Chief Spera asked if there were any questions regarding the Chief's written report.
Deputy Chief Spera reported that Taser has offered dates of October 2, 8, 27, 28 and 29 as possible dates they can provide a demonstration for commissioners. There was discussion regarding the type and price of units to be demonstrated, the date and start time of the meeting, and agenda considerations. After discussion, Motion made by Comsr. Sparaco and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to cancel the October 20th regular meeting, and call a special meeting with modified agenda on October 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Deputy Chief Spera reported the maintenance company has indicated the department needs a new oil burner. The current burner was made in 1974, it is running very inefficiently, and parts are no longer available. Rough estimation of replacement costs is between $3,000 and $4,000, which he hopes can be negotiated down. He expects to have a firm price by the end of the week. He stated that this again demonstrates the aging building, and noted that buckets have to be placed around the building during rainstorms, and there is mold in the ceiling tiles.
V. Field Services - Reports
A. Professional Development Activities
Deputy Chief Spera asked if there were any questions about the written report. In response to Chairman Burnham's question, he explained that the Child Safety Seat Technician training is done by DOT and is one of the most rigorous training sessions officers can take. He reported that every Wednesday five or six installations are done, which include inspection of the seat, a check to be sure it is not on the "recalled" list, installation, un-installation and training of the parent to install. Currently officers Walsh and Barnes are certified, and the department has scheduled Officer Perrotti for training so that all three School Resource Officers are certified to do this non-traditional service, which is so important and well received by the public.
B. Police Canine Program
The Deputy Chief reported that Patrolman Ziolkovski completed the department selection process, and was appointed Canine Officer. However, he was not successful in the screening with the State and therefore the department will not have a seat in the current class. Ptl. Ziolkovski will purchase the dog from the town and the money will go back into the fund it was paid from. The department will attempt to attain a seat in a future State Police canine training class. Once a seat is obtained, the Chief will post an announcement and an internal selection process for the position will commence. If Ptl. Ziolkovski chooses to reapply and is successful, his canine will be tested to determine if it is viable for the program. If so, the town will buy the canine back. Sergeant Rankin
agreed to continue as the department's canine handler until he can be replaced, keeping in mind that his first responsibility is front-line supervision. This will have a slight impact on the budget because his canine overtime will now be at sergeant's rate; however, this is deemed appropriate because the canine team provides such a great safety advantage and service to the department and is considered irreplaceable.
C. Activity Report
In addition to the written activity report in commissioners' packets, Deputy Chief Spera called attention to an incident that took place on September 16th involving juveniles arrested for interfering with an officer, prostitution, and several other related charges. He reported that although this incident was serious and unfortunate it was an isolated incident and was handled professionally by the officers assigned.
Commissioner Metsack asked if there was anything new regarding a recent fatal motor vehicle accident. Deputy Chief Spera responded that the toxicology reports, with take from 12 to 15 weeks, have not come back. He stated he believes there is nothing criminal attached to this accident. Commissioner Sparaco noted a thank you letter in correspondence from the victim's family.
VI. Support Services - Reports
Motion made by Chairman Burnham and seconded by Comsr. Dobratz to add St. John School to the agenda, under Traffic. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
A. Traffic
1. Deputy Chief Spera reported that he and Chief Mosca are still working with all parties involved in the North Main Street parking issue. He said the cemetery side of the road is kept mowed for parking, and the storage containers at the end of North Main Street have been removed to make room for parking. He also reported that the department will participate in a national rail safety day on September 23rd, which will include a visible law enforcement presence on rail platforms throughout the country. He said the New York Times would be covering Old Saybrook Police Department's participation.
2. Deputy Chief Spera reported that a petition had been received to replace missing speed and "Children at Play" signs on Church Street. He said that because this was a replacement of existing signs, and not a request for something new, the department has already complied with the request.
3. Deputy Chief Spera reported that he and Chief Mosca met with Lt. Stuart, who presented a preliminary plan for parking on Main Street. A finalized report and recommendation will be ready by the next commission meeting. There was discussion regarding the state's involvement, parking lay-out, compact car parking, handicapped parking, and cross-walk issues.
4. Deputy Chief Spera reported the town has not yet repealed the golf cart ordinance, as recommended by town counsel. Letters have been sent from the Police Department informing all town beach associations of the new state statute.
5. Chairman Burnham stated that she had received a letter from Mother Martin, Principal of St. John School, requesting "No Parking During School Hours" signs be erected along school property, on the school side of Maynard Road. She indicates problems created for school busses and sidewalk use during fire drills. Motion made by Comsr. Gallicchio and seconded by Comsr. Sparaco to place "No Parking During School Hours" signs at each end of St. John School property on Maynard Road. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
B. Emergency Communications
1. Deputy Chief Spera announced the two new dispatchers have completed field training. The dispatchers are working a modified schedule of three 12-hour days on and three days off. This schedule was selected by administrators in concert with employees. The employees are fond of the new schedule because for some it reduces their commute time and therefore saves on gas, and others are finding themselves more rested.
2. Deputy Chief Spera reported that Motorola has experienced a problem with the installation and grading of the new tower building behind the Police Department, which causes flooding. This work was subcontracted out by Motorola, and they report the subcontractor is meeting the terms of the contract in making necessary repairs. A lease agreement has also been successfully negotiated with Crown Castle on the Route 154 tower, and the new system should be in use after the first of the year.
VII. Comments and Concerns of Commissioners
Raised Concern - Bicycle Safety
Commissioner Dobratz asked for information about a recent bicycle safety meeting. The Deputy Chief reported that Ptl. Barnes was appointed to participate in a new town bicycle safety committee. There was discussion about bicycle use on various roads, including School House Road, in that bicyclists ride three and four across and will not move for motorists. There was also discussion about some "near misses" observed by members of the commission and by Deputy Chief Spera. The committee will develop public bicycle safety education. The Deputy Chief discussed a recent bicycle rodeo for children held at Goodwin School and the number of participants, which also provided education for parents. Chairman Burnham stated that bicycles are subject to the rules of the road, but motorists must respect their
presence.
Raised Concern - By-Laws
Commissioner Gallicchio asked if the commission will discuss the proposed by-laws at a future meeting, and the commission agreed that it would.
Employee self-evaluation forms
Deputy Chief Spera passed out employee self-evaluation forms for commissioners to review, at the commission's request.
VIII. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn made by Comsr. Winkler and seconded by Comsr. Gallicchio. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
JoAnne Klingerman
Executive Assistant
These minutes are subject to approval of the
Old Saybrook Police Commission at a future
meeting.
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