OLD SAYBROOK POLICE COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 23, 2009
MINUTES
A regular meeting of the Old Saybrook Police Commission was held on Monday, March 23, 2009 at the Old Saybrook Town Hall. PRESENT: Chairman Burnham, Secretary Winkler, Commissioners Gallicchio and Metsack. Also present were Chief Mosca and Deputy Chief 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 February 23, 2009 regular meeting. Motion made by Comsr. Winkler and seconded by Comsr. Gallicchio to approve the Minutes of the February 23, 2009 meeting, as submitted. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
III. Comments from the Public
Mr. Scott Masse, owner and President of Oak Leaf Marina, thanked the Police Commission, the Chief and the men and women of the department for their dedication and professionalism in responding to a boat fire at his marina in May of 2008. He noted that Chief Mosca took the time to go to the marina to see that everything was in place and to give Mr. Masse comfort and encouragement during that difficult time; and that Deputy Chief Spera was on site from 5:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., setting up a command post, responding to Mr. Masse’s concerns, and seeing that a thorough investigation was done. Mr. Masse presented the Chief with a plaque, stating that many people come to the commission to complain, but having had to call the Police Department with an emergency at 4:00 a.m., and being on the receiving end of the department’s
quick and professional response, which was well above the call of duty, he feels that not enough praise or appreciation is given to the department.
Chief Mosca thanked Mr. Masse for the department, and noted that many members of the department took part in the boat fire investigation.
Chairman Burnham also thanked Mr. Masse for coming to express his appreciation of the department’s services.
IV. Executive Division Reports
A. Financial
1. 08-09 Operating Budget
Chief Mosca stated that the budget is in good shape and almost exactly where it should be. He said this includes both Personnel and Expenses and Supplies.
2. Asset Forfeiture
Chief Mosca reported the Asset Forfeiture account balance to be $15,546.
3. Capital Sinking Fund
Chief Mosca reported the Capital Sinking Fund balance to be $62,370.99
4. 09-10 Budget Process
Chief Mosca reported that at a Board of Finance public hearing last week, only one question was asked regarding the purchase of an SUV. He stated that nothing more was asked about the Police Department budget, and feels that those who have studied it are satisfied.
Chairman Burnham reported the next meeting of the Board of Finance regarding the budget is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24th at 6:45 p.m. at the Middle School Library, for those commissioners who can attend.
5. COPS Hiring Recovery Program Application
Chief Mosca reminded the commission that he and Deputy Chief Spera had direct communication with lawmakers in Washington regarding funding for police officers in the federal stimulus money.
He stated that One Billion Dollars has been designated for hiring police officers, and that grant applications are currently being processed on-line. He stated the department has had a staffing void since the lay-offs several years ago, so after consultation with Chairman Burnham, he directed the Deputy Chief to develop an application for four officers. These positions would be totally funded including salaries and benefits for three years. He also stated the federal funding is an on-going process, and stressed that he feels additional funds may become available to extend the current 3-year grant period, and offer a phased in town expense and training component. The Chief stated he feels that considering the number of departments applying nationwide, it is important to apply as quickly as possible
to be competitive in obtaining the best candidates. The Chief feels additional officers are advisable both due to rising crime linked to the poor economy, and the increase in the number of calls for service. He asked for the commission’s support and approval to move to the next step in the process, which is to obtain the approval and signature of the First Selectman.
The Chief answered various questions, assuring the commission that any financial burden of hiring candidates is already in the budget. He also indicated that the 3-year period would begin when the officer is hired, and not when the grant is awarded. He discussed the impact this funding will have on the training academy and the importance of getting through the process quickly to get available seats at the academy.
Chairman Burnham stated that because the department has so many officers who may retire in the next few years, it would be a good idea to hire new officers now, to be prepared.
Commissioner Metsack asked what the expense would be to the town at the end of the 3 years, and Deputy Chief Spera responded he estimates the cost to be about $250,000. He reminded the commission that health insurance costs are not fixed and officer pay rates are unsettled, so this is a high estimate. Chief Mosca stated again that he expects future stimulus money will extend this initial 3-year period and phase in the town’s expense of retaining the officers.
Motion made by Comsr Gallicchio and seconded by Comsr. Winkler to authorize the grant application for four officers. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
B. Comments, Ideas and/or Concerns of the Chief
Chief Mosca stated that as indicated in his report, he attended the funeral of Elise Olson, a long time Community Policing Office volunteer, and reported the family’s appreciation of his presence.
Chief Mosca reported that Chuck Euskolitz, Old Saybrook Public Schools Food Service Director, a long-time employee of the town who was well known and well liked, passed away over the weekend. He will be missed.
Chief Mosca reported that while in Washington, he asked Senator Lieberman to consider a Blue Ribbon Commission similar to one undertaken in the 1960’s, to study which police services and programs are needed for the future. He reported that Deputy Chief Spera discussed Homeland Security with Sen. Lieberman, and brought him up to date on Homeland Security activity in Connecticut.
Chief Mosca noted a letter received from the Office of the State’s Attorney, praising the professionalism of Sgt. Roche and Ptl. Perrotti while processing a particularly uncooperative DUI arrest subject.
V. Field Services – Reports
A. Professional Development Activities
Chief Mosca asked if there were any questions about the written report, and in response, Deputy Chief Spera explained that Police Ground Training is a four-day class that helps officers learn to effectively handle combative people—especially those who may be larger or smaller than the officer. He also explained Officer DePerry’s train the trainer Older Driver Training, and hopes of having him go to the Senior Center to do training there.
B. Uniform Committee Progress Report
Deputy Chief Spera reported that the police union voted to fund the Class C uniforms, which will also be provided to certain dispatchers. He also reported that Sgt. Rankin, vacationing in Florida, will meet with individuals there who are interested in making a contribution toward the expense of replacing uniforms.
C. Activity Report
Chief Mosca asked if there were any questions or comments regarding the written activity report. Chairman Burnham said she feels it important to note the number of incidents, 1,909, reported since the last meeting, indicating how busy the department is. Chief Mosca said these incidents involve people from all over, and that it is the exception when motor vehicle accidents involve Old Saybrook residents.
VI. Support Services – Reports
A. Traffic
1. Indian Town Traffic Assessment
Chief Mosca reported he expects the study of traffic concerns at Indian Town, those of the department and those of the Indian Town Association, to be complete and ready for presentation at the next meeting.
2. Route 166 – No Parking
Chief Mosca reported that the State DOT has approved this request, and he expects signs to be installed soon.
3. Route 1 / Main Street Intersection
Chief Mosca reported that during a teleconference call with DOT, he stated his displeasure that an advance green light for traffic coming out of Main Street had not been installed. He reported that the next week, a state crew doing work at the intersection installed the advance turn light, giving motorists two opportunities to make a left turn. He reported this has improved traffic flow, and also noted that on weekends, the volume of cars traveling through that intersection still causes problems.
Chief Mosca stated that during the same teleconference call, the State DOT indicated they will do surveys regarding crosswalks in conjunction with the Bicycle Safety Committee. The Chief reported Officer Barnes represents the Police Department on that committee, and progress will be reported at future meetings.
B. Emergency Communication
1. New System Status
Deputy Chief Spera reported the shelter behind the Police Department has been raised, all equipment has been installed, and he expects the drainage solution to be complete within the next few weeks. He reported the foundation for the new building, obtained at no cost, has been poured. He said he expects the microwave link to be up and tested soon. This will be installed in patrol cars after it has been in service with other departments and any necessary adjustments made. When complete, possibly by the end of May and certainly by the end of the fiscal year, the system will allow communication anywhere in town. All town vehicles, the Fire Department, Ambulance and Marine Patrol boat will be on this system.
VII. Police Commission Business
Chairman Burnham reported there is no outstanding Police Commission business.
VIII. Comments from the Public
No members of the public were present.
IX. Comments and Concerns of Commissioners
Raised Concern – Route 1 and Stage Road/River Street Intersection
Comsr. Metsack asked if there has been an increased number of accidents at this intersection since the opening of CVS, stating he has seen many close calls. Chief Mosca responded there are not many, certainly far less than might have been expected.
Raised Concern – Landfill Stickers
Comsr. Winkler asked the Chief if he knew of any response from First Selectman Pace to a letter regarding landfill stickers, on which the Chief was copied. Chief Mosca said he did not receive a copy of Mr. Pace’s response. However, he reported that stickers are now being affixed at the top of automobile windshields.
Raised Concern – Policy Review
Chairman Burnham stated she feels a department policy review should begin soon, and Deputy Chief Spera responded that he expects Det. Sgt. Heiney to complete accreditation work over the next 30 days, and that the policy review and evaluation can then begin to determine if all policies are needed, and if any need to be updated.
Raised Concern – Accreditation Report
Comsr. Gallicchio asked when the commission would receive a report on the accreditation process from Det. Sgt. Heiney, and Deputy Chief Spera indicated Det. Sgt. Heiney will be reporting to the state over the next several weeks, and his report will most likely be presented to the commission at the May meeting.
Raised Concern – Department Owned Truck
Comsr. Gallicchio asked if the department had acquired a new white truck, which he has noticed in use. Chief Mosca responded this is an old truck, that was dark blue and had been used by Animal Control until it was replaced by a more practical van-type vehicle. It was then painted white for department use in moving equipment when necessary.
X. Adjournment
Motion made by Comsr. Gallicchio and seconded by Comsr. Winkler to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
JoAnne Klingerman
Executive Assistant
These minutes are subject to approval of the
Old Saybrook Police Commission at its
next regular meeting.
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