Police Commission

POLICE COMMISSION November 25, 2015 Minutes PRESENT: Chairman Thomas O’Mara, Commissioner James Sponaugle, Chief F. Michael Catalano Deputy Chief Paul Sandy, and Secretary Diane Ferri. EXCUSED: Commissioner Eric Prior. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Police Commission was held on November 25, 2015 in the Mayor's Conference Room, City Hall, 25 Court Street, Cortland New York. Comm. Thomas O'Mara called the meeting to order at 3:18 p.m. A. MINUTES – On the motion of Comm. Sponaugle, second by Comm. O'Mara, the Commission approved the minutes of the October meeting as written. B. BILLS –The Commission reviewed the October bills totaling $32,280.03 and on the motion of Comm. Sponaugle, second by Comm. O'Mara, were approved and placed on file. C. REPORTS – The following reports were highlighted: 1. Vehicle Maintenance - The Deputy Chief apprised the Commission on the status of vehicles. 2. Overtime – Accumulated hours worked for the month of October totaled 1022.50 hours, compared to 1139.75 hours for the same period in 2014, reflecting a 117.25-hour decrease for the month from 2014 and a 116.50-hour decrease year-to-date. Short shift issues remain the main issue. 3. 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 71 calls, year-to-date decrease of 1390 calls. The Chief also noted "ABC Checks" with 34 calls this month, 156 year-to-date indicates a decrease in the number of checks by 1 for the month and 187 year to date. The Commission reviewed domestic incidents, totaling 472 year-to-date, and mental health reports, totaling 293 year-to-date. 4. SPCA Animal Control Report – The new report was reviewed, which elucidates the different nuances in the calls the SPCA receives. After-hours calls total 56 year-to-date; all of which the patrols would be answering without the SPCA contract. 5. Officers Activities Breakdown – Statistics highlighted by Chief Catalano included 8 DWI arrests for the month. He further noted the specific statistics of a number of the officers. 6. Arrest Breakdown - Chief Catalano reviewed this report with the Commission, noting the arrest totals in 12 of the 16 categories have decreased. 1 On the motion of Comm. Sponaugle, second by Comm. O'Mara and carried, the reports were accepted for filing. OLD BUSINESS A. CORTACA STATISTICS - The Chief reviewed with the Commission the statistical information from the recent Cortaca Jug Football game. With the high contingent of officers and inclement weather, arrest statistics were markedly decreased. B. GRADUATION - The Chief noted the 2 newest officers have completed academic training and their graduation from Broome County Law Enforcement Academy was held on 11/13/15. NEW BUSINESS A. PERSONNEL - The Chief apprised the Commission of the background check being completed on a potential new employee. This candidate is currently employed on a part time basis as an officer in Trumansburg. B. NEW LITTERING LAW - The Chief commented on the most recent Council Meeting discussion regarding new parameters for the local Littering Law, which would allow for ticketing the party responsible for the property. Official approval is pending.. OTHER BUSINESS A. COMMENDATION, APPRECIATION, CORRESPONDENCE REPORT - 1. Maggie Mathey drew a picture on construction paper and sent a note attached to the drawing, stating her desire to be a police officer when she grows up. 2. Chief Catalano sent a Certificate of Appreciation to Agent Brian Murphy for his assistance with the Department on 2 major felony cases. 3. Lt. David Guerrera sent a letter to Ptl. Jeffrey Fitts and Ptl. Patrick O'Donnell advising them of their selection for a position with the TRU. 4. Chief Catalano sent a conditional offer of employment to Mr. Tyler Murray, contingent upon the successful completion of his background investigation. 5. Jane Witty and the Cortland Downtown Partnership Promotions Committee sent a thank you note to the Department for the support and assistance given with the Cortland Halloween Parade. 6. Rev. Jon North sent a thank you email to the Department in appreciation of all police efforts and offered to be of assistance and service as a means of saying "thank you." 7. D/C Paul Sandy and Ptl. Joseph Peters received a thank you card from Ms. Shannon Gavitt and family for their help in finding the family's lost kitten. 8. Lt. David Guerrera received a thank you letter from Mr. Aaron Baier of Access to Independance for his participation in this year's Disability Mentoring Day. B. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS – 1. The Commissioners wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. 2. Everyone congratulated Deputy Chief Sandy on 30 years of service with the Department. 2 The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 3:15 p.m. in the Mayor's Conference Room. With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diane L. Ferri Confidential Secretary 3