Police Commission

POLICE COMMISSION March 27, 2019 Minutes PRESENT: Commissioner James Sponaugle, Commissioner Trish Hansen, 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 March 27, 2019 in the Mayor's Conference Room, City Hall, 25 Court Street, Cortland New York. Chairman James Sponaugle called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m. A. MINUTES – The minutes of the February meeting were accepted as written, and on the motion of Comm. Hansen, second by Comm. Sponaugle, were approved for filing. B. BILLS –The Commission reviewed the February bills totaling $11,859.23 and were approved on the motion of Comm. Sponaugle, second by Comm. Hansen. C. REPORTS – The reports as approved on the motion of Comm. Hansen, second by Comm. Sponaugle, were highlighted as follows: 1. YTD Budget Balances - The Commission reviewed the account lines and percentages expended with the Chief noting the new budget balances. 2. Overtime – Accumulated hours worked for the month of February totaled 577.00 hours, compared to 641.75 hours for the same period in 2018, reflecting a decrease of 64.75 hours from 2018 for the month, and a decrease of 87 hours year-to-date. 3. Other Activities - Calls for service have increased by 110 compared to 2018. 4. SPCA Report - The SPCA report was reviewed with note of 11 complaints handled for the month, 4 after-hours, and 4 tickets issued. 5. Officers Activities Breakdown – Statistics highlighted by Chief Catalano noted low activities for the month but mentioned the fact the department is operating with 3 less officers. 6. Parking Tickets - Parking tickets issued for the month of February totaled 324, the lowest number issued for February. 7. Arrest Breakdown - The Chief reviewed this report with the Commission, noting penal law arrests have decreased by 49, as well as the grand total of all arrests, which have decreased by 320. OLD BUSINESS PERSONNEL – The Chief updated the Commission of the following: 1 A. All three new recruits have commenced employment and will be attending the Broome County Basic Police Academy from April 1 for approximately 6 months. B. There is nothing new to report regarding the benefits historically awarded to the civilian staff. The Mayor had unilaterally discontinued some benefits of the civilian staff without consulting the Chief, notifying the civilian staff of the change, or discussing with the Common Council. Per the 1973 Resolution, benefits ascribed to the department union would also be given to Civilians. This resolution remains in effect, yet the Mayor has continued with this course of action. Discussion ensued and the Commissioners were encouraged to call their Alderperson again. C. Ptl. Melissa Eccleston remains out on Worker’s Compensation benefits with surgery scheduled for April 19. NEW BUSINESS A. COMMISSION REPORTS: The Chief apprised the Commission of a new procedure initiated by the Mayor’s Office requiring all reports generated for the Police Commission meeting be forwarded to the Common Council members for their review. Discussion ensued. B. MCGRUFF GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Chief informed the Commission of the June 20th date for the annual McGruff Golf Tournament at the Elm Tree Golf Course. Historically, this fund raiser, sponsored by the Cortland Breakfast Rotary Club, provides the Department with $4,000.00 to be split between the McGruff and K9 programs. C. CNYACOP AWARDS DINNER: The Chief further apprised the Commission regarding the annual Central New York Association of Chiefs of Police Awards Dinner, being held this year on April 29 at Drumlins, with the Chief recommending awards for Ptl. Chadd Hines and Sgt. Daniel Johnson for their roles in the hostage situation last year. The cost for dinner is $25.00. OTHER BUSINESS A. COMMENDATION, APPRECIATION, CORRESPONDENCE REPORT - 1. Mr. James Badger received a letter from Chief Catalano confirming employment with the Police Department. 2. Mr. Francis Cullen, NYS University Police at SUNY Cortland, sent an email to Chief Catalano, thanking him for the participation by COPS Officer Ptl. Jesse Abbot and other department members in the college’s recent Coffee With A Cop event. A Simulator demonstration was scheduled also for the event, but was cancelled. 3. Ms. Kateri Lichona sent a thank you card to the Department for going to her residence to check on her. B. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS – There were no comments. 2 ADJOURNMENT PLEASE NOTE THE MEETING DATE CHANGE: The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 3:15 p.m. in the Mayor's Conference Room. With no further business to discuss, on the motion of Comm. Prior, Second by Comm. Hansen, the meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diane L. Ferri Confidential Secretary 3