Police Commission

POLICE COMMISSION September 26, 2019 Minutes PRESENT: Commissioner Jim Sponaugle, Commissioner Trish Hansen, Commissioner Liz Starr, Chief F. Michael Catalano, Deputy Chief Paul Sandy, and Secretary Diane Ferri. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Police Commission was held on September 26, 2019 in the Mayor’s Conference Room, City Hall, 25 Court Street, Cortland New York. Comm. Sponaugle called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m. A. MINUTES – The minutes of the August meeting were accepted as written, and on the motion of Comm. Hansen, second by Comm. Starr, were approved for filing. B. BILLS –The Commission reviewed the August bills totaling $18,885.44 and were approved on the motion of Comm. Starr, second by Comm. Hansen. C. REPORTS – The reports as approved on the motion of Comm. Hansen, second by Comm. Starr, 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. Discussion ensued regarding the balance and percentage of Overtime expended, as well as questions about Budget Workshops, which may not include input from the departments. 2. Vehicle Maintenance – The Deputy Chief updated the Commission regarding the purchasing of new vehicles for the 2020 fiscal year, noting thus far one vehicle has been approved for purchase. They are reviewing options as a means to garner funds for a second vehicle. 3. Overtime – Accumulated hours worked for the month of August totaled 1078.00 hours, compared to 826.00 hours for the same period in 2018, reflecting an increase of 252.00 hours from 2018 for the month, and an increase of 566.25 hours year-to-date. 4. Other Activities - Calls for service for the month have decreased by 107 compared to 2018. 4. SPCA Report - The SPCA report was reviewed with note of 35 complaints handled for the month, 9 after-hours for the month. 5. Officers Activities Breakdown – Statistics highlighted by Chief Catalano noted 6 DWI arrests for the month, 304 parking tickets issued by police officers, and 174 V&T arrests. 6. Parking Tickets - Parking tickets issued for the month of August totaled 422, while noting only one Parking Enforcement Officer working. 1|Page  7. Arrest Breakdown - The Chief reviewed this report with the Commission, noting the increased felony arrests, while penal law arrests have decreased by 98 as well as the grand total of all arrests, which have decreased by 613. OLD BUSINESS PERSONNEL – The Chief informed the Commission of the status changes in personnel since the last meeting, consisting of:  Ptl. Michael Maniaci & Ptl. James Badger have returned from the Broome Police Academy for 5 weeks of Field Training, after which time they will graduate from the Police Academy and continue the Field Training. Graduation is scheduled for 11/1/19 in Binghamton.  Ptl. Tyler Williams transferred to Camillus PD for a substantial increase in pay, a different shift schedule policy, and closer to his hometown.  Ptl. Melissa Eccleston has returned to “light duty” activities working with evidence, categorizing, and disposing of it as the law permits. She may possibly return to desk duty next month. NEW BUSINESS DEA TASK FORCE WITHDRAWAL – The Chief apprised the Commission of the Common Council decision to withdraw from the DEA Task Force and the local repercussions of said decision. Extensive discussion ensued regarding specifics of involvement with the Task Force including the need to be invited by the DEA, positive and negative opinions regarding an officer being located in Syracuse at times for the Task Force, and, if the Common Council reverses their decision, the opportunity of being involved with the DEA Task Force and a local Task Force, once the Department is at full staff. OTHER BUSINESS A. COMMENDATION, APPRECIATION, CORRESPONDENCE REPORT - Deputy Chief Sandy received a thank you letter from Mr. Kevin Whitney, Deputy Fire Coordinator of the Cortland County Emergency Response & Communications for sponsoring a hole for their Invitational Golf Tournament. B. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS – 1. Mr. Sponaugle thanked the Commission for their support during this time. 2. The November and December meetings were changed to the week before the regularly schedule meetings. 2|Page ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, on the motion of Comm. Starr, Second by Comm. Hansen, the meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Diane L. Ferri Confidential Secretary 3|Page