FEBRUARY 16, 2005

MEETING MINUTES

Guilford Police Headquarters

5:30 P.M.

Present:

• Commissioner Members:
1. Chairwoman Carlson
2. Commissioner Barrett
3. Commissioner Cole
4. Commissioner Dostert
5. Commissioner Limauro

• Departmental Members:
1. Chief Thomas A. Terribile
2. Deputy Chief Jeffrey C. Hutchinson
3. Officer Angela Moreno
Officer Timothy Bernier
5. Anita Catardi(Clerk of the Board)

• Others:
1. Mr. Richard Wallace (386 North River St, Millpond Association)
2. Mr. David Baillie
3. Mrs. Priscilla Baillie ( 276 State Street)

The meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Carlson at 5:30 P.M.

1. Approval of prior meeting minutes

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Barrett, seconded by Commissioner Cole to approve the minutes of January 19, 2005 as presented.

Vote:In favor:Commissioners Barrett, Cole, and Limauro

Opposed:None

Abstained:Commissioners Carlson, and Dostert

2. Public Petition/ Commentary

None

3. Traffic

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Limauro, seconded by Commissioner Cole to add 3.2. Curve Sign Request - State Street to the agenda.

Vote:In favor:Commissioners Carlson, Barrett, Cole, Dostert, and Limauro

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Limauro , seconded by Commissioner Cole to add 3.3. North River Street - Mill Pond Association - Signs Request to the agenda.

Vote:In favor:Commissioners Carlson, Barrett, Cole, Dostert, and Limauro

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

3.1. Traffic Signs - Sgt. Korn

Commissioner Limauro said upon receipt of a letter from Sgt. Charles Korn regarding “Dangerous Curve” signs located in town, he and Chief Terribile looked at the signs noted in Sgt. Korn’s letter. In Sgt. Korn’s letter, he stated after attending a training class for Legal Municipal Traffic he became aware of two particular signs; one just north of 149 State Street for northbound traffic “Dangerous Curve” (Yellow Diamond); and second, a “Caution Dangerous Curve” (Yellow Diamond) posted north and southbound in the area of 439 Maupas Rd. His concern is the Town’s liability if a collision should occur. In his letter, he recommended removal of the signs.

Commissioner Limauro recommended to the Commission that the term “Dangerous Curves” be changed to “Curves” or “Curve Ahead”. He said in some cases to repair the roads would be either impossible or too costly for the Town. He said the curve in the road at the intersection of State Street and North Street and on Maupas Road would be impossible to fix. Commissioner Barrett said that with respect to the liability issue, by removing the existing signs the Town could still be held liable. He recommended that we keep the current signs up. Commissioner Limauro asked that we look into curve ahead or just a curve symbol. Commissioner Barrett recommended a progression of signs indicating the curve. After further discussion Chairwoman Carlson said that once a sign is up, to change it the liability would still be there. Commissioner Limauro then recommended current signs remain in place, but in the future any curve signs needed would meet the State approved signs. Chief Terribile said that the “Dangerous Curve” signs is not a State approved sign. Commissioner Limauro asked that a motion be made for future curve signs. The Commission’s consensus was that a motion was not necessary; but if any curve signs are needed in the future they would have to meet the State’s requirements.

Commissioner Limauro addressed the portion of Sgt. Korn’s letter regarding a white rectangular “Blind Drive” sign on Maupas Rd. Sgt. Korn said that the sign was white and should be yellow in color; stating that warning signs should be yellow in color. Commissioner Limauro researched the Commission’s past request for the “Blind Drive” sign back in May, 2004 and Chief Terribile spoke to Public Works and they will be replacing the white sign with a yellow one.

Commissioner Barrett asked Chief Terribile if there were engineering issues regarding the two curves discussed? Chief said spoke with Mr. Volpe and Mr. Portley and they felt that Maupas Road curve could not be fixed.

3.2. Curve Sign Request - State Street

Commissioner Limauro said a letter was received from Mr. & Mrs. Baillie of 276 State Street expressing their concerns for the curve near their home. In the letter they said the southbound lane of State Street just north of the I-95 overpass is a difficult curve to negotiate, and that there have been some accidents near their home. They requested a curve sign be placed in the southbound lane. Commissioner Limauro said there is a “Dangerous Curve Sign just south of North Street which may not be warranted. Commissioner Limauro said he travels that road everyday both in the morning and the evening and for the amount of traffic traveling this road the number of accidents are relatively low. Chief Terribile said he researched accidents at the curve and found that there were three accidents in 2003, 1 as a result of ice/snow, one as a result of speed, and one involving two trucks passing too closely. There were two accidents in 2004, 1 as a result of snow/ice, 1 as a result of speed; in 2005 so far there have been two accidents, one hit a deer, and one as a result of snow/ice. Commissioner Limauro recommended that the Department do radar in that area.

Mr. Baillie explained that he feels that the drivers don’t know the curve and have trouble negotiating it. Chairwoman Carlson told the Baillie’s that we can run radar and hopefully this will help; and if they feel the problem is worse the Commission can revisit this at a future date. Mrs. Baillie said that it seems that everyone is doing more than 40 MPH. Chairwoman Carlson recommended we set up the Smart Trailer in the Spring in that area. Chief Terribile said he will ask Mr. Portley to look into the area just north of the underpass.

3.3. Sign Request - Millpond Association

Commissioner Limauro explained to Mr. Wallace that after the December meeting traffic surveys were completed by the Department and apologized for not forwarding the results to the association. Mr. Wallace was handed a packet of information from the State and the survey results for the Millpond Association to review. Chief Terribile said he did research regarding the “No Thru Trucks” approved streets in Guilford. According to Town Ordinances, North River Street is listed as an approved street, however, in doing research back through Department records and contacting the State it was found that North River Street is not an approved “No Thru Trucks” street. Chief explained that Fire Trucks, and buses are exempt from this regulation and the Department could not stop their use. Also, as stated in the State Regulations, “If a truck originates or has a scheduled stop within that town, it would not be affected by a through truck prohibition.” In addition, he has told the Town officials that the Town Ordinance is incorrect and will have to be corrected. Mr. Wallace said that the sign is an old one and doesn’t know when it was installed? Chief said patrol would continue to do radar on North River

Commissioner Limauro explained to Mr. Wallace that the Commission has requested the crosswalks at the intersection of North River/ River/ Boston Post Road be upgraded and the State has denied it at this time. Commissioner Cole said that after Walgren’s is operational perhaps at some point in the future, the Commission can ask the State to revisit the intersection. Chief Terribile said he spoke to the State D.O.T. and he thought that the traffic light at that intersection was about 1

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Limauro, seconded by Chairwoman Carlson to remove the old “No Thru Trucks” sign on North River Street near the Boston Post Road.

Vote:In favor:Commissioners Carlson, Barrett, Cole, Dostert, and Limauro

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

4. Committee Reports

4.1. Facilities/Equipment

4.1.1. Asset Inventory

Chief Terribile reported the asset inventory was completed and there were two discrepancies. One gun safe was lost when an officer moved; the officer will pay for its replacement ($100.00) out of the officer’s clothing allowance. The second was a gun safe thought to have been assigned/distributed to an officer upon completion at P.O.S.T. Academy; but upon research was an administrative error and never given to the officer. One has been assigned to the officer.

4.1.2. Animal Shelter Building

Commissioner Barrett said we are waiting for the next Board of Finance Meeting for approval.

Chief Terribile reported to the Commission that Car 7 was damaged during the recent fatal accident on the Boston Post Road. He explained the accident and how the damage occurred. Commissioner Cole asked if we would be recovering monies for the damage. Chief said the Town will be pursuing compensation for the damage to the appropriate insurance company.

Chief Terribile also reported a problem with the roof leaking. It appears to occur when we have heavy snow/ice accumulation. Recently, Town personnel had to go onto the roof with roof shovels to remove the snow; which he added can be very dangerous. He said Lt. Hocking is looking into solutions; one may be to install heating coils in the roof to melt the snow/ice to prevent the build up. He would be reporting back to the Commission as soon as he knows solutions and costs.

4.2. Personnel

4.2.1. Explorer Program

Chief Terribile explained to the Commission that in the past, we had an Explorer Program which was run by Officer Shiner. He said since Officer Moreno’s hire, she said she has been interested in heading up an Explorer Program. Chief said the cost of starting the program would be minimal; a few shirts for the advisors, and the initial purchase of shirt and pants for the Explorer members. He said the overtime would be minimal as well as there are four officer who will be advisors; two on the day shift, and two on the evening shift; Officers Lawrence and Gardner on days, and Officers Moreno and Bernier on the evening Shift. Occasionally, there may be some overtime for an evening meeting because of the officer’s schedules.

Officer Moreno addressed the Commission, explaining that she was an Explorer while attending high school. She explained that the Explorer Program is an off shoot of the Boys Scouts. The required age range is from 14 to 20, after completing 8^th grade. It is for those who are interested in becoming an officer in the future or are interested in the criminal justice system. Chairwoman Carlson expressed concern and asked if the Explorer Program has the same exclusionary policies as the Boy Scouts. Officer Moreno said it did not. The explorers would have to complete segments of learning before they would receive their initial outfit which would include one pair of pants, a shirt, a traffic vest, and a rain coat. ($200 approximate cost). Officer Moreno passed around a list of classes that would be introduced; explaining that the explorers would do “mock” situations. Annually, competitions are held at Eastern Connecticut University . They would do fund raisers to pay for additional clothing and costs to attend events and competitions.

After the explorers are trained they can be used for traffic control during events in Town, i.e. Guilford Fair, KidCare(fingerprinting) at the Kids Fair. The students have to maintain at least a C or better grade in school. The class sizes go up and down each year; initially we have 5 or 6 students interested who will be attending their first meeting tomorrow night(February 17^th) . She said the parents would be attending this class.

Chairwoman Carlson asked if they would be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and a code of conduct? Officer Moreno said all of the details still need to be worked out, but certainly the students are taught that anything they may see or hear is confidential and if the Commission wanted them to sign an agreement that is possible. Officer Moreno explained this programs if part of “Learning for Life”; it is a subsidiary of the Boys Scouts. She further stated that the Boys Scouts sponsor and insure the explorers under their umbrella policy; you don’t have to be a boy scout to participate in the program. Commissioner Barrett asked, “after the initial funding, the program would be run by fund raising events?” Chairwoman Carlson raised concerns for the cost of overtime.

Officer Bernier said that the four officers covered days and evenings and their days off were different so there would always be an officer(advisor) available. Chief said occasionally there may be overtime for an evening meeting if either Officer Moreno or Officer Bernier were not available. Commissioner Cole felt this would be great public relations and would give some students something to focus on and keep them busy.

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Cole, seconded by Commissioner Dostert to establish the Explorer Program at the Guilford Police Department.

Vote: In favor:Commissioners Carlson, Barrett, Cole, Dostert, and Limauro

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

Chairwoman Carlson asked Officer Moreno to invite the students and their parents to the next Commission meeting on March 16, 2005. Commissioner Barrett commended Officer Moreno on her initiative.

4.2.2. Department Commendation - Officer Hill

Chief Terribile described the circumstances for which Officer Hill was given a Department Commendation. Christmas morning (1:28AM) Officer Hill was the first to arrive at an apartment fire on the Boston Post Road. Officer Hill with the use of the extinguisher from his patrol vehicle was able to contain the fire until the Fire Department could arrive. His actions prevented major damage to the apartment.

4.3. Communications

4.3.1. Letter from Barbara Patel - Detective Brooks

Commissioner Dostert read a letter received from Barbara Patel thanking Detective Sandra Brooks for her efforts to collect holiday gifts for teens this past holiday season. Chief said she worked with local groups to collect gifts for the often forgotten teen age group during the holidays.

4.3.2. Letter from Leon Simkins - Sgt. Norman

Commissioner Dostert read a letter received from Leon Simkins regarding several false alarms at his home address. He appreciated the efforts and response to the alarms from the police department and assured Sgt. Norman that the alarm system has since been repaired.

4.3.3. Letter from Provencher Family

Commissioner Dostert read a letter received from the Provencher family thanking the Commissioners for their gift at the birth of their new baby.

4.3.4. Letter from Mr. & Mrs. Kenefick - Officers Provencher & Ruggiero

Commissioner Dostert read a letter received from Mr. & Mrs. Kenefick thanking the alertness of both Officer Jeffrey Provencher and Officer Larry Ruggiero when they found their front door open during a recent snow storm, which had been blown open by the wind. Their efforts prevented major damage to the house.

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Barrett to add 4.3.5 Letter received from the Marchegian Sportsmen Club to the agenda.

Vote:In favor:Commissioners Carlson, Barrett, Cole, Dostert, and Limauro

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

4.3.5 Letter received from Marchegian Sportsmen’s Club(passed out at meeting)

Commissioner Dostert read a letter received from Larry Baldelli, President of the Marchegian Sportsmen’s Club. He thanked the Department for all of their efforts to solve the case involving damage done to their building; especially” the efforts of Detective Douglas Jowett and Detective Sandra Brooks for their diligence and steadfast investigation in solving this case and for the courteous and considerate manner in which we were treated.”

4.4. Budget/Finance

4.4.1. 2004/2005 Fiscal Budget

Chief Terribile reported that the current budget is going well. Overtime is up this week as we had two fatal accidents which required officers to be called in on their days off. The replacement line item is under budget currently. He brought to the attention of the Commissioners the Electronics line item, which currently shows a deficit. Grant money was received which will clear away this deficit but the check was not deposited until after the report was printed. Next months report to reflect the deposit.

4.4.2. 2005/2006 Fiscal Budget

Chief Terribile discussed the new budget and updated pages were in the Commissioner’s packets. He explained that the new modems which were in next year’s budget will be purchased out of this year’s budget so that was removed, and Town Hall gave the corrected increase for utilities (12%) for next year and those line items were adjusted accordingly. Overall it came out to be a $5,000 cut for next year’s budget. The Board of Selectman have passed on the proposed budget to the Board of Finance, and we await the next meeting results. Chairwoman Carlson asked to have the Chief to confirm the date of the next Board of Finance Meeting and to let her know. Commissioner Barrett said he felt confident about the Police Department Budget as the Department has a good record for managing its budget.

5. Monthly Reports

Chief Terribile asked if there were any questions regarding the reports? Chairwoman Carlson asked what was Tactical going to install? Chief explained that they will be installing speakers in the hallways so that our radio system can be heard in the hallways

Chief said we will probably get the new truck with Homeland Security Grant in May.

Commissioner Barrett asked the Chief if the sharing of equipment with the Fire Department was common? Chief said during the two fatals this week the two departments shared their equipment, and that under circumstances like this it is not uncommon to share equipment. He said the Fire Department’s lighting equipment was very helpful at one of the fatal accidents.

6. Old Business

None

7. New Business

None

8. Police Personnel Comments

None

Motion:Motion made by Chairwoman Carlson , seconded by Commissioner Barrett to move into Executive Session, inviting Chief Terribile and Deputy Chief Hutchinson at 6:45 P.M. to discuss legal matters.

Vote:In favor:Commissioners Carlson, Barrett, Cole, Dostert, and Limauro

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

Clerk of the Board left the meeting @ 6:45 P.M.

Executive Minutes taken by Commissioner Dostert

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Cole, seconded by Commissioner Barrett to return to Public Session at 7:25 P.M.

Vote:In favor:Commissioners Carlson, Barrett, Cole, Dostert, and Limauro

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

NO MOTIONS MADE - NO VOTES TAKEN

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Cole, seconded by Commissioner Barrett to adjourn meeting at 7:26 P.M.

Vote:In favor:Commissioners Carlson, Barrett, Cole, Dostert, and Limauro

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

Respectfully submitted,
Anita Catardi
Clerk of the Board

| General Info | Records | FAQs | Lost & Found | D.A.R.E. | Crime Prevention |
| Most Wanted | Events | Animal Control | Email |