OLD SAYBROOOK POLICE COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 13, 2009
MINUTES
A special meeting of the Old Saybrook Police Commission was held on Monday, July 13, 2009 at the Old Saybrook Town Hall, 302 Main Street, Old Saybrook, Connecticut. PRESENT: Chairman Burnham, Vice Chairman Conklin, Secretary Winkler, Commissioners Dobratz, Gallicchio, Metsack and Sparaco. Also present was Deputy Chief Michael Spera.
Chairman Burnham called the meeting to order at 8:03 p.m.
I. Discuss and Act on the Recommendation of the Employee Search Committee for the Position of Chief of Police
Chairman Burnham announced that the Search Committee recommends the promotion of Deputy Chief Michael Spera to the position of Chief of Police, and asked for discussion. There being no discussion, motion was made by Vice Chairman Conklin to appoint Michael A. Spera, now Deputy Chief, to the position of Chief of Police effective October 16, 2009, and subject to the terms of an offer of employment. Motion seconded by Comsr. Sparaco and carried by six votes in favor, Comsr. Metsack opposed.
II. Discuss and Act on Letter of Retirement from Lieutenant A. Stuart
Chairman Burnham suggested tabling this agenda item to give the commission time to further discuss this issue with Lt. Stuart. Motion was made by Comsr. Metsack to table Agenda Item II until the next regular meeting. Motion seconded by Comsr. Gallicchio and carried by unanimous vote.
III. Discuss and Act on Authorizing the Deputy Chief of Police to Commence a Hiring Process for the Position of Patrolman.
Chairman Burnham stated that with the retirement of Chief Mosca in October, the commission would like to fill a patrolman position in time to enroll the candidate in the next academy class. Motion made by Comsr. Conklin to authorize the Deputy Chief to begin a search to hire a patrolman. Motion seconded by Comsr. Gallicchio.
There was discussion regarding how quickly the process can be done, and Deputy Chief Spera indicated he could move aggressively to find the right candidate in hopes of having the person enrolled in a September class at the academy. In response to a question, he reported he would post the opening on the website and advertise in the paper, instructing candidates to contact the Law Enforcement Council to take the next entry examination. Lt. McDonald, present at the meeting, reported there were 191 people interested in working in Old Saybrook on the L.E.C. list the last time he spoke with L.E.C.
Motion carried by unanimous vote in favor.
Deputy Chief Spera thanked the commission and thanked members of the public and the many members of the department who were present at the meeting for their support, and stated he looks forward to bringing the department into the next era of policing. There was lengthy applause.
IV. Adjournment
Motion made by Comsr. Conklin and seconded by Comsr. Gallicchio, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Meeting adjourned at 8:12 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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