MINUTES
DARIEN POLICE COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
1. CALL TO ORDER
The 2,201st 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.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Santarella motioned to approve the minutes of the meeting held on January 20, 2010, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All were in favor. The time was 5:02 PM.
3. DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY
a. Chief Lovello advised that Channel 1 (the Department’s primary patrol frequency) failed today. Hopefully it will be fixed tomorrow. In the meantime, the Department is operating on Channel 2.
b. Probationary police officers Christopher Jimenez and Theodore Garbera were sworn in on February 11, 2010 and are presently attending the police academy in Meriden.
4. CORRESPONDENCE
a. A copy of a letter sent to the Connecticut Dept. of Transportation by a resident of Tokeneke Road regarding a sidewalk in disrepair was reviewed.
b. A letter from Boy Scouts Tiger Den #3 praising the services of Det. Mark Cappelli was reviewed.
c. A follow-up letter to CT Transit regarding the bus route in Noroton Heights was reviewed.
5. OLD BUSINESS
Police Department Building Project
First Selectman Campbell and Selectman Nielsen met with Chief Lovello to discuss the Police Department building project. One thought was to eliminate the fueling station at the Police Department and instead use the fuel pumps at Dept. of Public Works. This would reduce the proposed building cost. Chief Lovello also met with Dot Kelly to review the geothermal aspects of the project.
2010/2011 Budget
Chief Lovello presented the proposed Police Department budget to the Board of Selectmen on January 22nd. Funding for two Speed Sentrys was eliminated. Chief Lovello is waiting for a date to present the proposed budget to the Board of Finance.
False Alarm Fund
Chief Lovello requested approval to use funds from the False Alarm fund for the purchase of two mobile radios to replace radios that are failing. The amount needed for this purchase is $6,846. Chief Lovello also requested approval to purchase three patrol rifles. Three older patrol rifles would be traded in, leaving a need for $2,196. Commissioner Johnson motioned to approve the use of $6,846 from the False Alarm account for the purchase of two mobile radios, and $2,196 for the purchase of three patrol rifles, seconded by Commissioner Santarella. All were in favor. The time was 5:14 PM.
6. NEW BUSINESS
Transfer Requests
Two transfer requests submitted to the Administrative Officer were reviewed.
Traffic Issues
Sidewalk Sales
The Commission reviewed a letter from the Darien Chamber of Commerce requesting to close Day Street to vehicular traffic on Saturday, July 17, 2010 for the Darien Sidewalk Sales & Family Fun Days event. Commissioner Johnson motioned to approve the closure of Day Street to vehicular traffic on Saturday, July 17, 2010, seconded by Commissioner Santarella. All were in favor. The time was 5:25 PM.
Boy Scout Tag Sale
The annual Boy Scout Tag Sale will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2010. Last year’s event ran very smoothly and this year should be the same.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to be considered, Commissioner Johnson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Santarella. All were in favor. The time was 5:34 PM.
Jan Lesko, Recording Secretary