Police Commission

POLICE COMMISSION July 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 July 23, 2020 via Zoom due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Comm. Sponaugle called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. A. MINUTES – On the motion of Comm. Hansen second by Comm. Starr, the Commission approved the minutes of the June meeting as written and reviewed. B. BILLS –The Commission reviewed the June bills totaling $30,889.58 and were approved on the motion of Comm. Starr, second by Hansen. C. REPORTS – The reports as approved on the motion of Comm. Hanson, second by Comm. Starr, were highlighted as follows: 1. Bills – A large expenditure to Gall’s was discussed. It was noted that it was for Ballistic Vest purchases which are on a 5 year replacement rotation. 2. Cars – A rise in vehicle maintenance costs was seen and noted that it was most likely due to the high mileage on several of the cars. 3. Overtime - There was a noticeable drop in the number of short shift overtime hours for the same period last year. A large rise in court overtime was noted as being due to a lengthy county court trial. 4. Detective Bureau Report – The number of Detective Bureau cases was high again for the month, with many of them involving sexual abuse. Many of the investigations resulted in arrests with a few cases still pending. 5. Parking Tickets - Number of tickets was very low. Most likely due to the fact there is still no Parking Enforcement Officer on the streets. 6. Arrest Breakdown - It was noted that the number of felony arrests were up, however all other numbers were way down. OLD BUSINESS A. FURLOUGHS – It was discussed and decided at the Common Council Meeting on 7/21 that most all of the furloughed employees will be returning. Confidential Secretary Diane Ferri will be back on August 3. Record Clerk Pam Barden’s position is open due to her retirement. 1|Page NEW BUSINESS A. PERSONNEL – Two recruits will be graduating from Syracuse on 7/24/2020. Their return should eventually help with the high short shift overtime hours. The two recruits in Broome County will finish in October. Officer Chad Knapp was back for a short time, however he is now back out until further notice. Officer Nathan Moran is out on sick leave until unknown date. B. CORTLAND FORWARD - The Mayor has held a few meetings on this. Community Oriented Policing Officer Jesse Abbott is our liaison with this group. OTHER BUSINESS A. COMMENDATION, APPRECIATION, CORRESPONDENCE REPORT - 1. Chief Catalano reviewed thank you notes from Lauren and Caden Senno for driving by their house on their birthday. 2. Mr. Andrew Sanford sent a letter to thank the department for “defending our streets, their hard work, and dedication to our society. 3. Mr. Frank Kelly sent an email regarding the recent officer-involved shooting. B. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS – There were no commissioners’ comments to report. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, on the motion of Comm. Hansen, Second by Comm. Starr, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 AM. Respectfully submitted, Nancy A. Sutliff Administrative Aide 2|Page