Police Commission

POLICE COMMISSION April 23, 2020 Minutes PRESENT: Commissioner Jim Sponaugle, Commissioner Trish Hansen, Commissioner Liz Starr, Chief F. Michael Catalano, and Deputy Chief Paul Sandy. Conducted Via Zoom CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Police Commission was held on April 23, 2020 via Zoom due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Comm. Sponaugle called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. A. MINUTES – The minutes of the February meeting were accepted as written as the March meeting had been cancelled, and on the motion of Comm. Sponaugle, second by Comm. Starr, were approved for filing. B. BILLS –The Commission reviewed the January bills totaling $24,986.18 and were approved on the motion of Comm. Sponaugle, second by Comm. Hansen. C. REPORTS – The reports as approved on the motion of Comm. Hanson, second by Comm. Starr, were highlighted as follows: 1. YTD Budget Balances - The Commission reviewed the account lines and talked about the upcoming budget cuts from various budget lines. Comm. Starr commented on the overtime being saved on Spring Fling, SUNY Graduation, Downtown Details and the Dairy Parade. 2. Sick Time Comparison – The Commission reviewed this report, commenting on the extended absences of Officer Moran for Family Medical Leave, Officer Becker for Workers’ Comp and Officer Reyngoudt for an extended illness. It was noted that all three had returned to duty. 3. Overtime – A rise in Overtime hours from the same period last year was due mostly to a lengthy court trial, the Officer Involved shooting incident and short shifts. 4. Other Activities Report - Calls for most incidents were much lower than for the same time period last year. It was noted, however, there was a rise in the number of domestic incidents and mental health reports. 5. Officers Activities Breakdown – Statistics highlighted by Chief Catalano noted most numbers were down, most likely due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. 6. Parking Tickets - Parking ticket numbers were way down. No Parking Enforcement Officer at this time. 7. Arrest Breakdown - The Chief reviewed this report with the Commission, noting numbers were down across the board. 1|Page OLD BUSINESS A PERSONNEL – 1. Ptl. Clint Morse transferred to Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department. 2. New hires Joseph Saladino and Kristyn Drake have started training at the Syracuse Police Department Academy. NEW BUSINESS 1. Confidential Secretary Diane Ferri and Records Clerk Pamela Barden have been furloughed until July 31 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They will be receiving unemployment during this time. Their insurance and all accruals are continuing. 2. We are expecting upcoming budget cuts due to the pandemic. OTHER BUSINESS A. COMMENDATION, APPRECIATION, CORRESPONDENCE REPORT - 1. Chief Catalano reviewed the following letters and thank you notes: a. Letter of acceptance for Officer Cling Morse’s transfer to Onondaga County b. Thank you/apology note from Mr. Donald Doloisio for help with a college student parking problem. c. Thank you to Officer Lawrence and Officer Eccleston for their assistance with Girls Day Out 2020. d. Thank you note from the Fagerheim family to the Department for keeping the Community safe. e. Thank you note from the Hersey family to the Department for their bravery, courage and dedication to the Community. B. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS – Comm. Starr inquired about the Officer involved shooting. The Chief updated them on the officers’ progress. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, on the motion of Comm. Starr, Second by Comm. Hansen, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Diane L. Ferri Confidential Secretary 2|Page