The 2,197^th meeting of the Darien Police Commission was held on the above mentioned date at Police Headquarters. Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Santarella, Chief Lovello, Lt. Anderson, and Jan Lesko (Commission Recording 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.

Commissioner Santarella motioned to approve the minutes of the meeting held on November 4, 2009, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All were in favor. The time was 5:02 PM.

a. We continue to have motor vehicle burglaries. The rear windshield of the patrol cars have been marked “Lock It, Every Time, Everywhere” as part of our public awareness campaign.

Chief Lovello advised that James Palmieri has successfully completed all testing associated with the entry level hiring process and we are ready to establish a hiring date. One candidate will undergo a medical examination, stress test and psychological examination this week. Another candidate will undergo a medical examination and stress test this week. The P.O.S.T. Academy class scheduled for January has been cancelled but we do have two places reserved for the class that will take place in February. In the future we may need to look at other training options, such as the Milford Police Academy.

Lt. Anderson received a request from Connecticut Dept. of Transportation for a letter rescinding our request for a No Through Truck zone on Hollow Tree Ridge Road. This is due to opposition from New Canaan who felt this would have an adverse impact on their town. Lt. Anderson will draft said letter and send it to the Commissioners for their approval prior to sending it to ConnDOT.

Lt. Anderson advised that after Commission approval in June 2009, the crosswalk at Brookside Road and Old Kings Highway North has finally been installed.

Lt. Anderson received a request for the installation of a stop sign on Old Farm Road at Locust Hill Road. After discussion the Commission concurred with Lt. Anderson that the installation of a stop sign at this location is not feasible at this time.

A request was received for traffic enforcement for speeders on Old Kings Highway South in the area of Andrews Drive. The Department’s Traffic Division has been notified. Commissioner Johnson advised that the Department’s electronic “Traffic Sentries” have proven to be a great benefit and we should endeavor to obtain additional units in next year’s budget.

Various requests have been received asking for the removal of the No Turn on Red sign when exiting the Noroton Heights railroad lot on to Hollow Tree Ridge Road. Lt. Anderson will check with ConnDOT but it is believed that due to the proximity of a widely used “fully protected” pedestrian crossing, the signage should remain as is.

Also, on the west side of the bridge going over I-95, there is what appears to be a sidewalk but in fact it is only a bridge abutment. This area contains three utility poles which block clear access for pedestrians. The project contractor will install pedestrian prohibition signage and plantings which should discourage pedestrian traffic.

Requests have been received for additional signage in the area of Leroy Avenue at Middlesex Road. Lt. Anderson concurs that a stop sign at the apex by Stony Brook Road would be beneficial. Traffic counters were recently placed at this location and showed that 92% of the motorists exceeded the posted 25 mph speed limit. Data showed that 85% were traveling at approximately 35 mph. Traffic Sentries will be placed at this location to obtain additional data.

Chief Lovello advised that this year the Town’s tree lighting ceremony was moved to the Grove Street plaza. Police on patrol had to close Brook Street due to the excessive crowd. This situation will need to be addressed prior to next year’s ceremony.

a. Four replica rifles needed by the Department’s Honor Guard. These are a lighter weight and do not have firing capabilities, rendering them safer for public ceremonies. The total cost for four replica rifles is $450.

b. First-Line Supervisor training program at Roger Williams University. Request to send two sergeants to the two-week program slated for January 25-February 5, 2010. The cost for this training is $3500, which includes meals and lodging.

Commissioner Santarella motioned to approve the use of $3,950 from the False Alarm account to be used to purchase four replica rifles and to fund the First-Line Supervisor training at Roger Williams University, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All were in favor. The time was 5:52 PM.

Chief Lovello advised that Department Heads have not yet received target numbers to be used in preparing next year’s budget. Initial indications are that the budget for the next fiscal year will be very lean. Chief Lovello has spoken to the Finance Director regarding the consolidation of Department accounts to make it less lengthy and easier to use.

A motion was made by Commissioner Johnson to add discussion of personnel matters to the agenda, seconded by Commissioner Santarella. All were in favor. The time was 6:10 PM.

Chief Lovello advised that the Darien Police Association has filed two grievances, one pertaining to the abolished sergeant’s position and the other pertaining to the change in Officer Moore’s pay grade.

Chief Lovello advised that the Town is planning on starting contract negotiations with the Darien Police Association in January 2010 as their contract expires June 30, 2010. Commissioner Santarella motioned to appoint Commissioner Johnson as the Police Commission’s representative for the police contract negotiations, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All were in favor. The time was 6:14 PM.

A motion was made by Commissioner Johnson to enter Executive Session to discuss a potential legal matter, seconded by Commissioner Santarella. All were in favor. The time was 6:15 PM.

Commissioner Johnson motioned to reconvene in Public Session, seconded by Commissioner Santarella. All were in favor. The time was 6:30 PM.

There being no other business to be considered, Commissioner Johnson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Santarella. All were in favor. The time was 6:32 PM.