MINUTES
DARIEN POLICE COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 7, 2010
1. CALL TO ORDER
The 2,204th meeting of the Darien Police Commission was held on the above mentioned date at Police Headquarters. Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Santarella, Chief Lovello, Captain Pavia, Officer Moore, 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 12:30 PM.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Santarella motioned to approve the minutes of the meeting held on March 24, 2010, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All were in favor. The time was 12:34 PM.
3. DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY
a. Chief Lovello advised the Commission of the death of a 19-year old resident on Monday.
b. The Department is currently conducting an evaluation of the ELSAG License Plate Reader which reads license plates and relays pertinent information to the officer. This is proving to be an invaluable tool and Officer Moore is researching grants that may be available to assist in the purchase of this equipment. The Commission was in agreement that this would be a valuable tool.
c. Chief Lovello reported that police recruits Jimenez and Garbera are doing well at the Police Academy.
d. Upon review of the Department’s After Action Report for the March 13th storm, Commissioner Santarella suggested that the proposed chain of communication include at least one Police Commissioner. Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Harrel, and Chief Lovello concurred.
4. CORRESPONDENCE
a. There was no correspondence to review.
5. OLD BUSINESS
Police Department Building Project
A letter has been sent to the Building Department to extend the building permit for an additional ninety days. On Monday the Chief will be traveling to Montague, Massachusetts to tour their new geothermal police facility. Dot Kelly will also be in Montague for the tour.
6. NEW BUSINESS
False Alarm Fund
Captain Pavia requested that funds from the False Alarm Fund be used to purchase two Honda EU generators with tripods and gas cans for use by the Department. These generators would allow the Detective Bureau to conduct night time searches and could also be used for special events. In addition, the generators would be instrumental when setting up command posts and conducting DUI checkpoints. The generators would be secured at headquarters. The total cost for two generators, two tripods, and two gas cans is $3,600. Commissioner Johnson motioned to approve the purchase of two Honda EU generators, two tripods, and two gas cans at a total cost of $3,600, seconded by Commissioner Santarella. All were in favor. The time was 12:55 PM.
Chief Lovello requested $270 from the False Alarm Fund which would be used to send six officers to the annual Connecticut Chiefs of Police trade show at the Aqua Turf in Southington. This show contains over 100 police-related vendors and would be beneficial to officers serving on various Department committees such as the uniform and vehicle committees. The admission cost per officer is $45.00. Commissioner Santarella motioned to approve the use of $270 from the False Alarm Fund to send six officers to the CCOP trade show, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All were in favor. The time was 1:03 PM.
Special Events/Traffic Issues
Captain Pavia advised that the Boy Scout Tag Sale is scheduled for Sunday, May 2nd. He and Lt. Anderson have met with the chairman of the event and it is anticipated the tag sale will run smoothly.
Captain Pavia advised that he just recently learned of the Fire Departments’ Touch-A-Truck event scheduled for April 24th at Tokeneke School. This is problematic in that there was short notice and there are numerous issues, especially regarding traffic, that were not considered by the event planners. Capt. Pavia will be meeting with them today at 2:00 PM.
In regards to work zone safety, Captain Pavia advised that the Department will now be requiring road project plans from contractors prior to the start of a project affecting road travel.
Commissioner Harrel advised that the Darien Farmers Market will commence on May 12th from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Mechanic Street municipal lot. The market will run every Wednesday through December 12th.
Chief Lovello reviewed a letter received from Dr. Jose requesting to become a police surgeon. Chief Lovello and Commissioner Johnson will arrange a meeting with her to discuss this issue.
Captain Pavia addressed the Commission concerning work-related injuries, most of which result from lift-assist calls. He will be tracking IOD calls and lift-assist calls and then develop a proposal intended to reduce lift-assist injuries.
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to be considered, Commissioner Santarella motioned to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All were in favor. The time was 1:17 PM.
Jan Lesko, Recording Secretary