MARCH 16, 2005

MEETING MINUTES

Guilford Police Headquarters

5:30 P.M.

Present:Commissioner Members:Chairwoman Carlson, Commissioners Barrett, Cole, Dostert, and Limauro

Departmental Members:Chief Thomas A. Terribile, Sgt. Henry Lindgren, Anita Catardi, Clerk of the Board)

Others:Eric Anderson(Anderson Associates)(left at 5:50 P.M.), Mr. M. Baretta( 280 Little Meadow Rd)(left at 6:10 P.M., Darka Lindgren, Lisa Terribile (left at 6:20 P.M..

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

1. Approval of prior meeting minutes

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Dostert, seconded by Commissioner Cole to approve the meeting minutes of February 16, 2005 as presented.

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

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

2. Public Petition

Mr. Baretta asked to speak to the Commission regarding speeding on Little Meadow Road. Chairwoman Carlson asked Mr. Baretta if the Commission could discuss his concerns under the traffic portion of the meeting? Mr. Baretta agreed.

3. Traffic

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Cole, seconded by Commissioner Barrett to add 3.5. North River/ Cherry/North Streets and 3.6 Little Meadow Road- Speeding Concerns to the agenda.

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

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

3.1. North Fair/Cherry Streets - Stop Sign Request

Commissioner Limauro and Chief Terribile inspected the area. Commissioner Limauro said the area is located near the “old” Shoreline Times Building site. Mr. Portley, Town Engineer has recommended a stop sign at the intersection of North Fair Street and Cherry Street with a stop ahead sign to be installed and paid for by the developer. Commissioner Limauro and the Chief recommend the placement of the stop sign approximately 20 feet from the driveway; with a stop ahead sign placed across from SBC pole # 2627. Mr. Eric Anderson addressed the Commission and explained one the original driveways will be will be removed ( directly across from North Fair Street). A map was presented to the Commission to review the location of the requested signs.

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Limauro, seconded by Chairwoman Carlson to approve a stop sign at the intersection of North Fair Street and Cherry Streets at the location recommended.

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

Opposed:None

Abstained: None

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Limauro, seconded by Chairwoman Carlson to approve the installation of a stop ahead sign on Cherry Street, across from SBC pole # 2627, with the stipulation that the developer install said sign.

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

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

3.2. I-95 Diversion Proposal

Chief Terribile copied the Commission on a letter received from the South Central Council of Governments State of Connecticut Department of Transportation covering a plan to divert traffic through Guilford if I95 should be shut down for an emergency. The diversion would be utilizing exits 57 and 59, moving the traffic along the Boston Post Road. Exit 58 would not be used as the intersection of Boston Post Road and Route 77 would cause difficulty for the trucks to turn onto the Boston Post Rd. He further stated that this letter is an agreement between the State and the Town (the Guilford Police Department) defining how traffic would be moved through town and the police department would provide traffic control if necessary at key intersections.

3.3. Sign Requests - Bluff Head Estates - Speed Sign/ Children at Play

Commissioner Limauro and Chief Terribile looked at the area and found that there was only one area that motorist could speed. A recommendation was made to the Commission to install two 25 M.P.H. signs in that area. Commissioner Cole asked if this road was a dead end? Commissioner Limauro said way up the road it is. He said there is traffic calming on the road and only one area could encourage speeding. Commissioner Cole asked how many residents are in the area? Commissioner Limauro said approximately 30 homes. Commissioner Cole said it is probably the residents who are speeding; perhaps the Association can address the speeding issue to is members.

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Limauro, seconded by Commissioner Cole to install two 25 M.P.H. signs; one on Northside of road on Bluff View Drive near the culvert heading west, and one on to be placed on Blue Hills Drive on the Westside of the road near the catch basin heading South.

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

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

Commissioner Limauro also recommended that correspondence be sent to Mr.Dawson explaining that a “ Slow Children at Play” sign is not an authorized sign and can not be installed. Also he said that the smart trailer will be posted in the area as well as radar patrols will be done as soon as feasible. He further stated that any resident observing speeders should report the incident to the police department.

3.4. No Parking Signs / Whitfield Street/ Water Street

Commissioner Limauro explained that after receiving a letter from Mr. Portley, Town Engineer they inspected the area around the Lupone building to assess the request. A diagram of the intersection was drawn on the board and reviewed by the Commission. Commissioner Limauro and Chief Terribile recommended the installation of ‘No Parking” signs on Whitfield Street, south of the driveway from the Lupone Building parking lot, on the westside down to the Eagle Fire Hose parking lot. Commissioner Barrett asked how many parking spaces would be lost? Commissioner Limauro said there are three on the North side of the driveway and approximately 4 or 5 south of the driveway. Commissioner Limauro said that Mr. Portley recommended no parking from the corner of the intersection south, however he and the Chief are reluctant to remove parking space along the current businesses in the Lupone building. Commissioner Carlson said she thought that area is resident parking. Chief Terribile said the problem is motorists pulling out of the driveway can’t see, that it is a safety concern. Commissioner Barrett is in favor of leaving the parking spaces along the Lupone building. Chief explained that Whitfield Street begins to narrow as you traffic South. He further explained that the Lupone parking lot has been expanded. Commissioner Barrett asked if that was public or private parking. Chief said that was a private lot; the public lot is on Water Street in back of the Guilford Food Center.

Commissioner Cole said that the “Town Plan” is to eventually remove some parking spots. Chairwoman Carlson asked if Mr. Portley has received complaints regarding parking in that area? She further stated that she was reluctant to remove parking spaces from the center of town without further investigation. Chief Terribile said that his main concern is the hazard the parking will present to motorist pulling out of that driveway.

Commissioner Cole said it may be more of a problem with vans and suv’s He asked the Chief about the accident history at that intersection? Commissioner Limauro said there hasn’t been too much. As a result of the activity at that intersection, most motorists drive slow and are more alert to the traffic. Commissioner Limauro said we could table the item so more research can be done on the number of parking spaces that would be lost. Chairwoman Carlson also recommended that the Chief survey the Chamber of Commerce and business owners in that area.

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Limauro, seconded by Commissioner Cole to table 3.4 No Parking Signs/ Whitfield/Water Streets for further study.

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

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

3.5. North River/ Cherry/ North Streets - No Parking

Commissioner Limauro and Chief Terribile explained to the Commissioner that the temporary no parking signs placed on North River Street during the ice skating season don’t work. When ice skating is permitted, people park along North River Street which is very narrow. During the winter months it is difficult to place the temporary no parking signs as the ground is frozen and often they fall to the ground. Commissioner Barrett asked, “ the no parking signs would only be during ice skating season?. Commissioner Limauro said the parking signs would be permanent. The Chief said that North River Street is too narrow to accommodate street parking in that area.

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Limauro, seconded by Chairwoman Carlson to install No Parking signs on East and West sides of North River Street from North Street to Cherry Street.

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

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

3.6. Little Meadow/ Prospect Hill Area - Speeding

Mr. Barretta addressed the Commission with his concerns about speeding in the area of his home on Little Meadow Street. He asked that the Commissioner consider a stop sign to slow traffic down. Commissioner Limauro explained that stop signs are not used to slow down traffic. After further discussion, Chairwoman Carlson and the Chief recommended the Police Department place the “trailer” in that area and that patrol will do radar. Mr. Barretta invited patrol cars to utilize his driveway for the radar.

Mr. Barretta also asked that the lighting at the intersection of Prospect Hill Road and Route 77 be improved. The Commission referred Mr. Barretta to Mr. Portley, Town Engineer to investigate. Chairwoman Carlson thanked Mr. Barretta for coming and presenting his concerns.

Motion:Motion made by Chairwoman Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Dostert to add 4.2.4 Service Awards to the agenda and to move 4.2.1 up on the agenda.

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

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

4. Committee Reports

4.2. Personnel

4.2.1. Multi-Town Crisis Team Event/ Lt. Robinson

Chief Terrible explained the Crisis Team Event planned and orchestrated by Lt. Robinson. He further stated that Lt. Robinson did an outstanding job organizing five towns for the event. He said a lot was learned from this event, and it is our hope to do this every year. It was a great learning experience. He has commended Lt. Robinson on his efforts.

4.2.2. Dispatcher Resignation

Chief Terribile reported that Mark Daricek has turned in his resignation effective April 16, 2005. Chief asked the Commission to think about how they would like to fill this position in the future to cover the midnight shift.

4.2.3. Dispatcher Negotiation

Chief Terribile asked if the Commissioners had a suggestions/concerns regarding the upcoming negotiations with the dispatcher union?

Commissioner Cole said about 5 years ago he had done a study on the dispatcher positions on the Shoreline. The result of the study showed other departments were also having difficulty holding on to dispatcher for the midnight shift and that the dispatchers were under paid. He suggested that the dispatcher do rotating shifts. Chief Terribile said that the reason we have been able to keep the dispatcher we have now is that we no longer rotate shifts and would not recommend shift rotation. Commissioner Barrett suggested that we look into a shift differential for the midnight shift.

Chief asked the Commission who they would like to have represent the police department in the up coming negotiations? He said that at the last negotiation, he represented the police department. Chairwoman Carlson asked who the fire department has and if the Chief is the representative, then Chief Terribile could go and if the Deputy Fire Chief goes then perhaps our Deputy Chief should go. Commissioner Cole said he is willing to work on the negotiation; Chief Terribile said he would also be there. The Commission concurred.

4.2.4. Service Awards

Chairwoman Carlson and the Police Commissioners presented thirty(30) year awards to both Chief Thomas Terribile and Sergeant Hank Lindgren. Both were hired in March of 1975. Chairwoman Carlson read their accomplishments over the years which included Medal of Valor for both, Life Saving awards for both and several Department Commendations and Unit Citations. Commissioner Limauro wanted to say that in this day not many employees stay beyond five(5)years of employment anymore, and that the thirty(30) years was exceptional. He further stated that because of their dedication and hard work it has made the work of the Commission a lot easier. Commissioner Carlson expressed gratitude to the Chief for his efforts to diversify the department in the three years she has been on the Commission.

4.1. Facilities/Equipment

4.1.1. Motor Vehicle Accident - Car 6

Chief reported to the Commission that Car 6 was in an accident at the intersection of Exit 58 and North River Street. The officer received a warning ticket from State Police after their investigation. Chief discussed the details of the accident with the Commission.

4.1.2. Digital Cameras

Chief said we are anticipating a grant of approximately $17,000 from Homeland Security for the fiscal year 05/06 and is looking into purchasing replacement digital cameras for the building. Currently the cameras are black and white and don’t always give a clear picture. The new cameras will be digital for a clearer picture and in color. He said he doesn’t have prices as of this date but expected the price would be within the amount of the grant and wished to inform the Commission of the plans for the grant money.

4.1.3. Animal Shelter Update

Commissioner Barrett reported to the Commission that the Committee met last night ( March 15) for a special meeting in which they interviewed the next lowest bidder, Thompson Construction. The Committee will be recommending to the Board of Selectman to award the bid to Thompson Construction with a few minor changes; which include pushing the completion date out to September 1, 2005 and to utilize painted walls versus vinyl walls as was stated in the original bid specs.

4.1.4. Uniform Bids

Chief Terribile reported to the Commission that bids were posted and received from three vendors for uniforms. The three vendors included a company out of Kentucky, Horwitz, and New England Uniform. The Kentucky vendor did not meet the requirements of the bid as we asked for prices for Blauer, which they do not carry. The next two bidders were close in their bids, however, Horwitz was the lowest and we have been dealing with them for a number of years and would like to continue that relationship.

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Cole, seconded by Commissioner Dostert to recommend to the Board of Selectman award the Uniform Bid to Horwitz Uniforms.

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

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

4.3. Communications

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Dostert, seconded by Commissioner Cole to add 4.3.2. Letter from Barbara Catlin (Guilford Connection) to the agenda.

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

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

4.3.1. Letter from North Branford Police Department- Officer Doody

Commissioner Dostert read a letter from Officer Robert Brockett of the North Branford Police Department thanking Officer Doody for his participation in the apprehension of three individuals on Route 80 after a evading motor vehicle accident. “ His keen eyesight and steadfast alertness was a key factor in apprehending these three individuals. It is officers of his caliber that make his job easier and enjoyable to be a part of.”

4.3.2. Letter from Barbara Catlin- Officer Gardner

Commissioner Dostert read a letter from Barbara Catlin thanking Officer Gardner for speaking at a March 1^st meeting. Ms. Catlin further stated they appreciated his time to review Town Ordinances and answering questions from the parents present.

4.4. Budget/Finance

4.4.1. 2004/2005 Budget

Chief Terribile explained that all of the line items were doing well; the overtime line item appears over as we have only just received checks from the State for our participation in the SNTF program and next months reports will reflect the monies received; December, January and February payments.

Chairwoman Carlson noted that the replacement line item is holding its own.

Chief Terribile asked the Commission to approve the purchase of six new 4566 Smith & Wesson weapons for approximately $3,200.00. Smith & Wesson will not be manufacturing the guns and we would like to purchase six guns now for replacement in the future. He explained that when an officer retires, as approved by the Police Commission in past years, the officer takes their own gun upon retirement. Looking into the future of possible retirements over the next few year, the purchase would maintain the inventory of 4566's. If we did not purchase them, we would have to look at replacing all of the guns. Commissioner Barrett asked the Chief if he anticipated any weapon changes? Chief replied, “no”. The Commission approved the purchase.

4.4.2. Budget 2005/2006

Chief Terribile past out updated budget sheets reflecting a cut , which representing $7,200.00. He said the Board of Finance met this week and was looking to cut $200,00 from the Town budget, $100,000 from the Board of Education budget, $100,000 from Pension contribution; and another $100,000 anywhere the Board of Selectman can recommend.

Chief Terribile said the only thing he could cut at this time was the AFIS project. He said the State will be mandating the department to install this system in the future, but for now he cut it from the department budget. This cut brought down the overall increase to 4.01% and with capital to 5%. Chairwoman Carlson asked if Town Hall was happy with the cut? Chief reply, “yes”.

Commissioner Cole asked the Chief how long will the officer from Guilford participate in the SNTF program? Chief said as long as he is effective . Chief said the officer was doing well.

5. Reports

Chairwoman Carlson asked if there were any questions concerning the reports? Chief Terribile reviewed the traffic stop statistics during the past year with the Commission. He said that of all the motor vehicle stop: 81.6% were given a written warning; 2.7% were given verbal warnings; 12.9% were given an infraction, and 2.7% were given a Misdemeanor ticket. Chief Terribile also discussed officer activity stats.

Chief Terribile informed the Commission that as he and Deputy Chief Hutchinson would be out of state and the Lt. Robinson will be in charge.

6. Old Business

Chief Terribile presented the Commission with a copy of the C.A.L.E.A. review. He will be attending the C.A.L.E.A. Convention in Alabama to receive our Accreditation award.

7. New Business

Chief Terribile presented the Commission with information regarding E-Mail and Voice Mail correspondence that would pertain to Police Commission records.

8. Police Personnel Comments

None

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Cole to move into Executive Session inviting Chief Terribile for the purpose of discussing a personnel issue, at 6:55 P.M.

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

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

Clerk of the Board left the Room at 6:56 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Anita Catardi
Clerk of the Board

Executive Session began at 7:00 P.M.

Presented and reviewed performance evaluation with the Chief.

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Barrett, seconded by Commissioner Cole to come out of Executive Session at 7:20 P.M.

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

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

Motion:Motion made by Commissioner Barrett, seconded by Commissioner Cole to adjourn the meeting at 7:21 P.M.

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

Opposed:None

Abstained:None

Respectfully submitted,
Rose Dostert, Secretary
Guilford Police Commission

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