MINUTES
DARIEN POLICE COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 1, 2010
1. CALL TO ORDER
The 2,207th meeting of the Darien Police Commission was held on the above mentioned date at Police Headquarters. Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Harrel, Commissioner Santarella, Chief Lovello, Sgt. Marron, and Jim Cameron and Casey Hekker of TV79 were present. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Johnson motioned to approve the minutes of the meeting held on May 18, 2010, seconded by Commissioner Santarella. All were in favor. The time was 5:03 PM.
3. DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY
a. Chief Lovello reported that police recruits Jimenez and Garbera are doing well at the Police Academy and are anticipated to complete their training there in July, after which each will begin a ten-week field training period with a Field Training Officer.
b. A traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a subject and the recovery of a substantial amount of cocaine.
c. The Department will be conducting a DWI checkpoint in conjunction with the Stamford Police Department in Darien on June 3rd. It will take place on the Post Rd. between Exit 13 S/B and the Norwalk town line.
d. The Department continues to have short term failures of the VoIP telephone system. The Town’s IT department is working to identify the problem and install a permanent fix.
4. CORRESPONDENCE
Chief Lovello brought to the attention of the Commission a letter received from a Darien resident outlining his strong disagreement with the False Alarm Ordinance. The letter was received after the resident was billed for a false alarm at his residence. The Commission took note of the letter and advised that as the ordinance provides an appeals process, the author of the letter ought to be advised to pursue that avenue.
5. OLD BUSINESS
Police Department Building Project
Commissioner Santarella advised the Commission that the Board of Finance would be planning to request a list of capital projects from the Board of Selectmen. Commissioner Harrel stated that he believed the “window” for additional savings on the project may be beginning to close and that the Town ought to proceed now with the Police Headquarters project.
6. NEW BUSINESS
Traffic – Post Rd. and Ledge Rd.
Chief Lovello reported that the reconfigured intersection appears to move traffic more efficiently than the old configuration, but concerns remain regarding the pedestrian crosswalk on Ledge Rd. at Post Rd. The crosswalk is unusually long, does not have crossing buttons, and lacks the ability for a pedestrian to see any of the traffic signal faces to determine the color of the signal. Lt. Anderson is actively engaged in identifying potential improvements to the location.
Commissioner Santarella requested that a discussion regarding a traffic issue on Holly Lane be placed on the next agenda.
2nd Annual Kenneth Bateman Memorial Blood Drive
Chief Lovello advised that the second annual Bateman Blood Drive will be held on June 18th at the Piedmont Club.
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to be considered, Commissioner Johnson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Harrel. All were in favor. The time was 5:30 PM.
Duane J. Lovello, Chief of Police