MINUTES
DARIEN POLICE COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 20, 2010
1. CALL TO ORDER
The 2,210th meeting of the Darien Police Commission was held on the above mentioned date at Police Headquarters. Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Harrel, Chief Lovello, Sgt. Johnson, and Jan Lesko (Commission Recording Secretary) were present. Jim Cameron of TV79 was also present. Commissioner Santarella was absent due to illness. The meeting was called to order at 5:13 PM.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Harrel motioned to approve the minutes of the meeting held on July 7, 2010, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All were in favor. The time was 5:14 PM.
3. DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY
a. The investigation of the motor vehicle accident which occurred on Hollow Tree Ridge Road is not yet complete.
b. Chief Lovello advised the Commission that a transfer request was forwarded to the Board of Finance for the purchase of three new police vehicles. Two vehicles were totaled as a result of motor vehicle accidents and an unmarked vehicle with high mileage is currently being used on patrol.
c. Lt. Krois returned to duty last night.
d. The “New England bank robber” is in custody. It is possible he was involved in a Darien bank robbery.
4. CORRESPONDENCE
a. No correspondence to review.
5. OLD BUSINESS
Police Department Building Project
The Board of Selectmen met last night to discuss the priorities of capital projects. The First Selectman’s sequencing places the Police Department building project behind the Senior Center, relocation of Board of Education, and Weed Beach. The Police Commission is vehemently opposed to this as bond rates are now at their lowest and major, shovel-ready projects should be given first priority.
6. NEW BUSINESS
Traffic Issues
Noroton Avenue/Ledge Road –Lt. Anderson contacted Connecticut DOT and the general consensus thus far is that the DOT will not undertake a study to upgrade this intersection as both of these roads are town roads, although ConnDOT does control the traffic signals. Lt. Anderson will be reaching out to Sue Prosi at SWRPA for review.
Post Road/Ledge Road –Chief Lovello advised that there will be an on-site meeting with State DOT on July 22nd. Among some of the concerns is the lack of ‘No Right Turn on Red’ coming out of Ledge Road onto the Post Road and also the extreme length of the pedestrian crosswalk.
Holmes Avenue at Holmes Court – Notice has been sent to Dept. of Public Works advising them that the Darien Police Commission approved the installation of ‘No Parking’ signs on Holmes Avenue at Holmes Court. These signs need to be installed as soon as possible.
False Alarm Fund
Guardian Tracking Software
Chief Lovello requested funds of up to $1640 for a one-year subscription to Guardian Tracking Software. This is a software program which monitors officer performance. Commissioner Johnson motioned to approve the use of up to $1640 to be used for the purchase of a one-year subscription to Guardian Tracking Software, seconded by Commissioner Harrel. All were in favor. The time was 5:55 PM.
License Plate Reader (LPR)
Chief Lovello requested funds of up to $16,000 to purchase one License Plate Reader system. We used it on a trial basis and found it to be a valuable tool for the Department. With this system, officers can readily identify unregistered vehicles, vehicles of interest, and past history. Commissioner Johnson motioned to approve the use of up to $16,000 to be used for the purchase of one License Plate Reader system, seconded by Commissioner Harrel. All were in favor. The time was 6:00 PM.
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 6:02 PM.
Jan Lesko, Recording Secretary