MINUTES
DARIEN POLICE COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 22, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER
The 2,184th meeting of the Darien Police Commission was held on the above mentioned date at Police Headquarters. Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Truebner, Chief Lovello, First Selectwoman Evonne Klein, Lt. Krois, Sgt. Marron and Jan Lesko (Commission Secretary) were present. Commissioner Harrel monitored the meeting via telephone, but did not introduce or vote on any motion. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Truebner made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held on April 8, 2009, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All were in favor. The time was 5:02 PM.
3. PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Residents: Erica Caputo (Dickinson Road) and Mia Park (Park Place)
4. NEW BUSINESS
Request for stop sign at intersection of Fitch Avenue and Park Place
Discussion was held regarding safety issues due to sight line issues and speeding at the intersection of Fitch Avenue and Park Place. The Commission reviewed a petition from over 30 neighborhood residents requesting the installation of stop signs on Park Place at the intersection of Fitch Avenue. Chief Lovello advised that he had reviewed this situation and recommended that stop signs at this intersection be installed. Commissioner Johnson motioned that stop signs be installed on Park Place at the intersection of Fitch Avenue, seconded by Commissioner Truebner. All were in favor. The time was 5:08 PM.
5. OLD BUSINESS
Police Department Building
Chief Lovello advised the Commission that some of the necessary requested repairs to the Police Department building have been completed. The IT Department hopes to begin installation of the new phone system within the next few weeks. First Selectwoman Klein advised that there is a meeting on April 23rd with the Board of Finance to review open projects and the economic environment. There is no word yet on the availability of stimulus funds from the State and the Town may need to re-bid the Police Department building project.
K-9 Unit Update
Sgt. Marron advised that Officer Aranzullo and Zulu are making excellent progress. This week they started a full-time 8-week training program. Car 12 is in the process of being outfitted for the K9 Unit. Chief Lovello advised that revenue received to date is well above what is needed to cover this year’s K9 expenses. The K9 account has been set up and expenditures from this account need only to be approved by the Police Commission.
Sacred Heart University Initiative
Focus groups for patrol officers have been completed. Focus groups for Sergeants and Lieutenants will take place on May 4 and May 6. There are tentative plans to schedule a focus group for the Police Department civilian employees.
6. CORRESPONDENCE
a. Letter from Jack Whitehead – Chairman, TGS & A
b. Second trimester grades for police recruit Mauricio Vigil.
7. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to be considered, Commissioner Truebner motioned to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All were in favor. The time was 5:46 PM.
Jan Lesko, Commission Secretary