Police Commission

POLICE COMMISSION September 26, 2018 Minutes PRESENT: Commissioner James Sponaugle, Chief F. Michael Catalano, Deputy Chief Paul Sandy, and Secretary Diane Ferri. EXCUSED: Commissioner Eric Prior, Commissioner Trish Hansen. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Police Commission was held on September 26, 2018 in the Mayor's Conference Room, City Hall, 25 Court Street, Cortland New York. Chairman James Sponaugle called the meeting to order at 3:22 p.m. A. MINUTES – The minutes of the August meeting were reviewed. B. BILLS –The Commission approved the August bills totaling $56,578.62. C. REPORTS – The following reports were highlighted: 1. YTD Budget Balances - The Commission reviewed the account lines and percentages expended. 2. Overtime – Accumulated hours worked for the month of August totaled 826.0 hours, compared to 1048.0 hours for the same period in 2017, reflecting a monthly decrease of 222.0 hours from 2017, and a year-to-date decrease of 160.25 hours. 3. Other Activities - Calls for service have decreased by 425 for the month compared to 2017 and also decreased by 3685 year-to-date. 4. SPCA Report - The SPCA report was reviewed with note of 30 complaints handled for the month, 44 after-hours calls year-to-date, and 32 tickets issued year-to-date. 5. Officers Activities Breakdown – Statistics highlighted by Chief Catalano noted low activities for the month. 6. Parking Tickets - Parking tickets issued for the month of August totaled 371. 7. Arrest Breakdown - The Chief reviewed this report with the Commission, noting penal law arrests are down by 195, and now the grand total of all arrests are also down, by 270, than this time in 2017. Note: adjusted figures for this report now show total arrest to have increased by 93 over last year’s figures. OLD BUSINESS A. 2019 BUDGET – The Chief updated the Commission regarding the status of the 2019 budget, which has been approved by the Mayor and to be presented to the Common Council on Tuesday, with subsequent workshops to be scheduled. B. PERSONNEL – The Chief reminded the Commission of Sgt. Elizabeth Starr’s upcoming retirement, with a staff luncheon to be held in her honor on Thursday, September 27. 1 NEW BUSINESS RAISE THE AGE - The Chief apprised the Commission regarding the new “Raise the Age” legislation, taking effect on October 1, which will effectively treat 16 year-olds as juveniles. He further noted Sgt. Cute will be assuming the Juvenile Division duties, so he’s ready for the Raise the Age issues. As of yet, there is no facility at the department to hold anyone arrested fitting these criteria. OTHER BUSINESS A. COMMENDATION, APPRECIATION, CORRESPONDENCE REPORT - 1. Mr. Donald Doloisio sent a letter to Chief Catalano reminding him about the parking on Harrington Ave and requesting the parking enforcement officers begin to patrol the street routinely. The Chief responded to his letter. 2. Sgt. Cheyenne Cute received a Certificate of Training from the State of New York Police Juvenile Officers Association, Inc for attending and participating in the Basic Police Juvenile Officers Course. 3. Chief Catalano sent a letter to Ptl. Jeffrey Fitts, Ptl. Anthony Natoli, and Ptl. Ryan Riley inviting them to appear for the promotional interviews for the position of Sergeant. 4. Mr. James Hendricks, USDOJ, FBI sent a letter of invitation to Chief Catalano to attend the Albany Field Office visit by FBI Director Christopher Wray. 5. Park Outdoor representatives sent a thank you note to Chief Catalano, thanking him for meeting with them while they offered the department free messaging on its soon to be installed digital sign on Tompkins Street. 6. Chief Catalano displayed the Emergency Services Day Poster for the commission. 7. Mr. Kevin Whitney, Cortland County Legislature, sent a letter recognizing D/C Paul Sandy and Ptl. Jesse Abbott in spearheading the efforts to erect a 9/11 memorial and organize the initial memorial ceremony. 8. Sgt. Elizabeth Starr offered her letter of retirement. Chief Catalano, with deepest regret, accepted her letter. 9. Trinity B sent a letter thanking the department for the service rendered in officers risking their lives to keep the community safe. 10. Chief Catalano received a Certificate of Training from the NYS Association of Chiefs of Police for training courses offered at the NYSACOP 2018 Annual Training Conference. B. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS – There were no comments. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 3:15 p.m. in the Mayor's Conference Room. With no further business to discuss, on the motion of Comm. Hansen, second by Comm. Prior, the meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m. and Executive Session commenced. Respectfully submitted, Diane L. Ferri Confidential Secretary 2