MINUTES
DARIEN POLICE COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 10, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER
The 2,186th meeting of the Darien Police Commission was held on the above mentioned date at Police Headquarters. Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Truebner, Commissioner Harrel, Chief Lovello, Lt. Anderson and Jan Lesko (Commission Secretary) were present. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Harrel made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held on May 20, 2009, seconded by Commissioner Truebner. All were in favor. The time was 5:03 PM.
3. OLD BUSINESS
Police Department Building
Chief Lovello advised he received an email from Brian Humes of Jacunski Humes Architects which summarized concerns of a delay in the building project. The bidding environment is still favorable but that will not last indefinitely. Commissioner Harrel reported on two meetings he had concerning this project. The Police Commission drafted a letter to be sent to the First Selectwoman, Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Chairman of the RTM, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, and Chairman of the Police Department Building Project.
K-9 Unit Update
Zulu is scheduled to graduate from the K9 academy on June 12th. Officer Aranzullo will conduct orientation training at the Police Department next week. There will be a swearing in ceremony for Zulu – the date has yet to be set.
Sacred Heart University Initiative
Chief Lovello met with Prof. McCabe of Sacred Heart University twice since the last Commission meeting. A written report will be available shortly detailing the results of the surveys and information received from the focus groups. He will also present a potential plan of action.
False Alarm Fund
Chief Lovello discussed available programs at Roger Williams University for Sergeants (first line), Lieutenants (mid-level), field training officers and field training management. Chief Lovello requested approval from the Police Commission to utilize funds from the false alarm fund to send two Sergeants to the 2-week program in October. The cost of the program per officer is $1,450 plus lodging, meals, and incidentals. Commissioner Truebner motioned to authorize the transfer of an amount not to exceed $5,000 from the False Alarm account to be used to fund expenses incurred to send two Sergeants to the 2-week training program at Roger Williams University in October, seconded by Commissioner Harrel. All were in favor. The time was 5:35 PM.
4. NEW BUSINESS
Request for Crosswalk at Brookside Road and Pine Tree Lane
A request for the installation of a crosswalk at Brookside Road and Pine Tree Lane was received from Ellen Kirby, Program Director of the Darien YWCA. The First Congregational Church, the Historical Society, and the YWCA share each other’s facilities and there is heavy pedestrian traffic, particularly with young people. Lt. Anderson conducted a field survey of the location and supports this request. Commissioner Harrel motioned to approve the installation of a crosswalk on Old Kings Highway North from the church side of Brookside Road to the sidewalk on the corner of Old Kings Highway North and Pine Brook Lane at the entrance to the Darien Ice Rink, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All were in favor. The time was 5:40 PM.
Darien Road Race
Discussion was held concerning traffic issues during the Darien Road Race and the possibility of reversing the race route to alleviate traffic flow. Most of the race can be run on a shared road.
Retirement Request
The Commission received a request for retirement from Officer Stephen Yaeger, with his last day worked being July 13, 2009. Commissioner Johnson motioned to accept Officer Yaeger’s request for retirement, expressed appreciation for his 29 years of service and wished him the best in his future endeavors, seconded by Commissioner Truebner. All were in favor. The time was 5:55 PM.
Lateral Entry Level Police Candidates
Chief Lovello advised the Commission that a policy is needed regarding lateral entry level police candidates. POST (Police Officer Standards and Training Council) requires that candidates be tested. Chief Lovello will have Captain Komm and Sergeant Winn devise a test for such candidates. The Police Commission sanctions these actions.
5. CORRESPONDENCE
a. Letter from Chief Murray Pendleton, Waterford PD, commending the efforts of Officer Moore in assisting the Waterford Police Department.
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to be considered, Commissioner Johnson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Truebner. All were in favor. The time was 6:12 PM.
Jan Lesko, Commission Secretary