Police Commission

POLICE COMMISSION September 24, 2014 Minutes PRESENT: Chairman Thomas O’Mara, Commissioner James Sponaugle, Commissioner Eric Prior, Chief F. Michael Catalano, D/C Paul Sandy, and Secretary Diane Ferri. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Police Commission was held on September 24, 2014 in the Mayor's Conference Room, City Hall, 25 Court Street, Cortland New York. Comm. Thomas O'Mara called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m. A. MINUTES – On the motion of Comm. Sponaugle, second by Comm. Prior, the Commission approved the minutes of the August meeting as written. B. BILLS –The Commission reviewed the August bills totaling $19,068.72 and on the motion of Comm. Prior, 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. Vehicle Maintenance - the Deputy Chief reported 2 Tahoes have been ordered; one will be paid for with Stop DWI funds and the other one through auctions and funds encumbered. 3. Overtime – Accumulated hours worked for the month of August totaled 1308.25 hours, compared to 804.00 hours for the same period in 2013, reflecting a 504.25-hour increase for the month, and an 1179.00-hour increase year-to-date from 2013. The overtime accrued for the Jets security detail, short shifts, and SUNY students' return account for the majority of the increase. 4. Other Activities Report – The Commission reviewed the report while the Chief highlighted some of the statistical information. Overall, service requests increased for the month by 166 calls. 5. SPCA Animal Control Report – Animal complaints answered totaled 33 (245 calls year-to-date) with 4 after-hour calls for the month. 6. Officers Activities Breakdown – Statistics highlighted by Chief Catalano included 17 DWI arrests for the month, 7 of which were issued by Ptl. Ryan Riley. A total of 149 V&T tickets were written in the month of August with 33 being issued Ptl. Ryan Riley and also 20 by Ptl. Joseph Slater. Ptl. Patrick O'Donnell issued 16 V&T tickets and 7 felony charges. 7. Arrest Breakdown – Arrest activity was reviewed by category. 1 On the motion of Comm. Sponaugle, second by Comm. Prior and carried, the reports were accepted for filing. OLD BUSINESS A. MAYOR'S CONFERENCE ROOM - While there were no "Old Business" items on the agenda, the Commission discussed the possibility of meeting in the Mayor's Conference Room versus meeting in the Police Department Lounge/Briefing Room. B. TENTATIVE 2015 SCHEDULE - A tentative meeting schedule for 2015 was introduced to the Commission with no issues noted. However, the December 2014 meeting is scheduled for 12/24 and it was suggested the Commission may need to change that date due to the holiday schedule. NEW BUSINESS A. POLICE COMMISSIONER RESIGNATION - The Chief apprised the Commission of the resignation tendered by Commissioner Don Kline shortly after last month's meeting, noting Mr. Kline had moved outside the city limits. B. NEW APPOINTMENT - in conjunction with Mr. Kline's resignation, Mayor Tobin nominated Mr. Eric Prior as the new appointee for the Police Commission, and was unanimously appointed by the Common Council for this voluntary position. C. PUMPKINFEST BEER TENT LOCATION CHANGE - The Chief also informed the Commission of the change in location this year to the Main Street Parking Lot for the beer tent at the Pumpkinfest. Private security will be provided. Additionally, Court Street area will be closed for the Fire Department truck display. D. CITY OF CORTLAND NEW NEPOTISM POLICY - The Chief notified the Commission of the new "nepotism" policy adopted by the City of Cortland. OTHER BUSINESS A. COMMENDATION AND APPRECIATION REPORT – None were reported. B. CORRESPONDENCE – 1. Commissioner Donald Kline tendered his letter of resignation, citing his recent move outside the City of Cortland limits. 2. Tony Raggi of Catholic Charities sent a letter to the Chief citing traffic issues at the intersection of Church and Port Watson Street, as well as Main Street and Port Watson street. The Chief responded to his letter. 2  3. Chief Catalano sent a letter to the Crown Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in acknowledgement of receipt of a $100.00 donation to the department and noted the funds would be utilized to support the canine program costs. C. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS – Commissioner Sponaugle stated he is looking forward to working with Mr. Prior in the Police Commission. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 3:15 p.m. in the Mayor's Conference Room. Respectfully submitted, Diane L. Ferri Confidential Secretary 3