Police Commission

POLICE COMMISSION May 22, 2019 Minutes PRESENT: Commissioner Eric Prior, Commissioner Trish Hansen, Chief F. Michael Catalano, Deputy Chief Paul Sandy and Secretary Diane Ferri. EXCUSED: Commissioner James Sponaugle. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Police Commission was held on May 22, 2019 in the Mayor's Conference Room, City Hall, 25 Court Street, Cortland New York. Comm. Eric Prior called the meeting to order at 3:22 p.m. A. MINUTES – The minutes of the March meeting were accepted as written, and on the motion of Comm. Hansen, second by Comm. Prior, were approved for filing. B. BILLS –The Commission reviewed the April bills totaling $35,549.94 and were approved on the motion of Comm. Hansen, second by Comm. Prior. C. REPORTS – The reports as approved on the motion of Comm. Hansen, second by Comm. Prior, 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. Of special note was the balance and percentage of Overtime expended, which was discussed. 2. Vehicle Maintenance: Vehicle Expenditure Cost C-11 (2009 Impala) Cradle bushings, lt front hub, outer tie rods $899.35 C-15 (2017 Tahoe) Fr brakes/rotors, rear brakes, battery $538.75 C-17 (2017 Tahoe) Replace battery & auxiliary battery $498.10 C-18 (2015 Tahoe) Replace auxiliary battery $195.00 3. Overtime – Accumulated hours worked for the month of April totaled 1250.25 hours, compared to 1074.00 hours for the same period in 2018, reflecting an increase of 176.25 hours from 2018 for the month, and a decrease of 194.25 hours year-to-date. 4. Other Activities - Calls for service have increased by 68 compared to 2018. 4. SPCA Report - The SPCA report was reviewed with note of 21 complaints handled for the month, 2 after-hours, and 1 ticket issued. 5. Officers Activities Breakdown – Statistics highlighted by Chief Catalano noted 7 DWI arrests for the month, 6 of which were effected by Ptl. Derrick Edick. He reminded the commission of the fact the department is operating with 3 less officers. 6. Parking Tickets - 1  Parking tickets issued for the month of April totaled 419, which is low, but not the lowest number. 7. Arrest Breakdown - The Chief reviewed this report with the Commission, noting felony arrests have increased while on the whole, penal law arrests have decreased by 60, as well as the grand total of all arrests, which have decreased by 363. OLD BUSINESS A. CNYACOP AWARDS CEREMONY – The Chief synopsized the Awards Dinner, held on 4/29/19, for the Commission. He noted Sgt. Daniel Johnson and Ptl. Chadd Hines were the award recipients for their outstanding efforts during the hostage situation last year at the Hampton Inn. B. PERSONNEL – The Chief updated the Commission of the following: 1. Two of the new recruits have commenced Broome County Basic Police Academy for approximately 6 months. 2. The civilian staff, the Chief and the Deputy Chief attending a meeting with the Mayor and Corporation Counsel regarding benefits historically given to them via the 1973 Resolution. Mr. VanDonsel stated all benefits will remain in effect for these 3 employees, per the will of the Common Council. Any new employee or any employment change will require joining the local SEIU chapter. 3. Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) - Ptl. Derrick Edick is scheduled for the final phase of training in AZ, which is funded by the NYS Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. NEW BUSINESS A. COLLEGE GRADUATION: The Chief apprised the Commission of the recent series of graduation ceremonies held at SUNY Cortland and stated they were “uneventful.” 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. JUNIOR POLICE ACADEMY: The Chief further apprised the Commission regarding the upcoming annual Junior Police Academy. There had been some consideration as to cancelling this program, but with the realization and the reportage recently completed stating Cortland as one of the safest college towns with the specific mention of the Junior Police Academy as one of the proactive activities offered here, the Program will be continued. OTHER BUSINESS A. COMMENDATION, APPRECIATION, CORRESPONDENCE REPORT - 1. Ms. Stephanie Wales submitted her letter of resignation from the Police Department after her failure to pass the Basic Police Academy minimum physical fitness standards. 2  2. Chief Catalano received a Certificate of Public Service from the NYS Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials in recognition of thirty-five years of distinguished public service to the community. 3. Chief Catalano received a Certificate of Longevity from the City of Cortland in appreciation of thirty-five years of service to the community. 4. Chief Catalano received an email from Justin Haines thanking him and commending Ptl. Moran and K9 Rush for the excellent, professional demonstrations provided to the Cornell and Ithaca communities during their Vet School Open House. The Chief replied. 5. Bob Haight, CEO of Cortland County Chamber of Commerce, sent a letter to DC Paul Sandy commending and congratulating him for being the recipient of the 2019 Baden- Powell Boy Scout Distinguished Citizen Award. 6. Sgt. Ryan Riley received a notice from Cortland County Office of Personnel/Civil Service that he successfully completed his probationary period as Police Sergeant for the City of Cortland, effective 4/3/19. 7. Mrs. Terri Natoli sent a thank you card to the Department via Chief Catalano thanking them for the “beautiful flowers, and the amazing police presence” at her husband’s funeral. 8. The NYS Police sent a letter to Chief Catalano inviting him to the Annual Troop “C” Memorial Day Services at the Troop headquarters. B. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS – 1. Comm. Hansen reminded everyone this week is EMS Appreciation Week. 2. D/C Sandy noted that 6/20 (the McGruff Tournament Date) is also the quartly meeting for CTZ, with training for “Navigate”. 3. He also commented on an EMS training in Oriskany, NY in July. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, on the motion of Comm. Hansen, Second by Comm. Prior, the meeting adjourned at 4:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diane L. Ferri Confidential Secretary 3