Police Commission

POLICE COMMISSION March 28, 2014 Minutes PRESENT: Chairman Thomas O’Mara, Commissioner Donald Kline, Commissioner James Sponaugle, Chief F. Michael Catalano, D/C Paul Sandy, Sarah Bullock, and Secretary Diane Ferri. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Police Commission was held on March 28, 2014 in the CPD Lounge at City Hall, 25 Court Street, Cortland New York. Comm. Thomas O'Mara called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. A. MINUTES – On the motion of Comm. Sponaugle, second by Comm. Kline, the Commission approved the minutes of the February meeting as written. B. BILLS –The Commission reviewed the February bills and on the motion of Comm. Kline, second by Comm. Sponaugle, were approved and placed on file. C. REPORTS – The following reports were highlighted: 1. Year-to-Date Budget Report – The Commission reviewed the MUNIS system report, highlighting balances, encumbrances, and % age of funding expended. 2. Overtime – Accumulated hours worked for the month of February totaled 698.25 hours, compared to 629.25 hours for the same period in 2013, reflecting a 69.00-hour increase for the month, and 31.5 hours year-to-date from 2013. It was noted the short shift overtime hours increased, mainly due to Active Shooter training. 3. Vehicles - The Deputy Chief reported we are receiving funds from the County DWI Program to purchase a vehicle. Conversation ensued with regards to the details and vehicle options being considered for the department. 4. Other Activities Report – The Commission reviewed the report while the Chief highlighted some of the statistical information. Overall, service requests decreased for the month by 681 calls. Discussion ensued regarding the possible reasons for the drop in calls. 5. SPCA Animal Control Report – Animal complaints answered totaled 22 (42 calls year-to-date) with 1 after-hour call for the month. 6. Officers Activities Breakdown – Statistics highlighted by Chief Catalano included 18 DWI arrests for the month, 6 of which were issued by Ptl. Ryan Riley. A total of 218 V&T tickets written in the month of February with 30 being issued by Ptl. Ryan Riley and another 20 by Ptl. Nathan 1  Moran. The Chief noted Ptl. Moran is our newest certified officer. Felony totals of 4 were also noted to be garnered by Ptl. Nathan Moran. 7. Parking Ticket Report – Parking tickets issued increased from the same time last year as well as increases from 2012 & 2011. The Chief noted we have 2 PEO's functioning well in this duty. 8. Arrest Breakdown – Arrest activity was reviewed by category and noted totals have decreased from last year. On the motion of Comm. Sponaugle, second by Comm. Kline and carried, the reports were accepted for filing. OLD BUSINESS PERSONNEL – The Chief updated the Commission regarding the status of the newest officer, Ptl. Brian Myers, who is attending the Broome County Law Enforcement Academy and Ptl. Roger Stafford, who is now attending a 6-week course in K-9 training in PA. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to discuss. OTHER BUSINESS A. COMMENDATION AND APPRECIATION REPORT – 1. Chief Catalano received a letter from Mr. Ralph Tortora from the Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, expressing their appreciation and gratitude for the ongoing support and assistance from this department in several investigations and prosecutions. Mr. Tortora mentioned Lt. David Guerrera and Lt. Richard Troyer in specific thanks for their "exceptional professionalism" and "outstanding interagency cooperation they demonstrate." The Chief responded. 2. Sgt. Cheyenne Cute, Sgt. Seth Rowland, Sgt. Michael Nichols, and Sgt. Sean Byrnes each received a Certificate of Completion for attending the "Supervisory & Leadership Development" course sponsored by WSM Trainers and Consultants. 3. Ptl. Robert Reyngoudt received an NEA's Read Across America Certificate of Seussational Achievement for participating in the "NEA's Read Across America Day". 4. Ptl. Chadd Hines received a Certificate for attending the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care TtT course sponsored by the NYS Preparedness Training Center. 5. Ptl. Melissa Eccleston a Certificate for completing the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training provided by ASIST. 6. Ptl. Ryan Riley received a Certificates of Attendance for successful completion of three courses: Basic Interviewing Strategies Course, Investigative Strategies and Skills for the Recorded Interview (Online) Training, and Considerations of the Recorded Interview sponsored by the State of New York Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). B. CORRESPONDENCE – 2  1. Ptl. Robert Reyngoudt received a letter of gratitude on behalf of SUNY Cortland EMS for their inclusion in the recent Active Shooter Training. 2. Chief Catalano sent a letter to the CNYACOP submitting the names of Ptl. Anthony Natoli and Ptl. Jesse Abbott requesting consideration of the Central New York Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Commendation Award for their actions on 8/21/13 in disarming an intoxicated distraught male. 3. Chief Catalano sent a letter to the Cortland Rotary Breakfast Club for distribution, requesting community support for and participation in the 24th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, to be held on 6/19/14 with proceeds designated to fund the McGruff Program. He further noted in the letter this tournament is the primary funding source of this program. C. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS – There were no comments to consider. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 3:15 p.m. in the CPD Lounge. With no further business to discuss, on the motion of Comm. Sponaugle, and seconded by Comm. Kline, the meeting adjourned at 4:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diane L. Ferri Confidential Secretary 3