Police Commission

POLICE COMMISSION October 22, 2020 Minutes VIA ZOOM MEETING PRESENT: Chairman Jim Sponaugle, Commissioner Trish Hansen Commissioner Liz Starr, Chief F. Michael Catalano, Deputy Chief Paul Sandy, and Secretary Diane Ferri. CALL TO ORDER At the close of Executive Session, the regular meeting of the Police Commission was held on October 22, 2020 via Zoom Meeting. Comm. Sponaugle called the meeting to order at 10:40 a.m. Due to time constraints with Comm. Hansen leaving early, the order of business was rearranged. OLD BUSINESS EXECUTIVE ORDER 203 – Chief Catalano relayed to the Commission details of the recent community meetings with other agencies as required by EO 203. He noted attendance is dwindling, partly due to COVID restrictions, and had suggested they conduct the biweekly meetings via Zoom Meeting. Potential changes for consideration include adjusting the Police Commission description in the City of Cortland Charter to reflect 5 commissioners instead of 3. With the Governor’s repeal of the 50A Clause, addressing the correction of police and fire personnel, the Commission could possibly start sharing the disciplinary functions and become an alternative to the Commission Review Board. Changes would require a review of the City’s Charter and then be offered to the Governor. The Chief also updated the Commission as to the community survey, which will be ready for dissemination by early November; and could possibly be incorporated for use with reforms in policies and the like, per EO 203. NEW BUSINESS A. PERSONNEL UPDATES – The Chief described the most recent personnel issues for the Commission as follows: 1. Ptl. Derrick Edick will be transferring to the Camillus Police Department effective November 2, 2020. . 2. Two officers are still on authorized leave. Ptl. Chad Knapp has not returned to duty yet and Ptl. Nathan Moran is on an extended sick leave. 3. Diane Ferri will be retiring, effective January 23, 2021, with her last day to work being 1/22/2021. 4. Nancy Sutliff plans to retire, effective February 27, 2021. Discussion ensued regarding Ptl. Edick’s transfer and updates on Ptl. Moran. Commissioner Hansen left the meeting at 10:55 a.m. B. 2021 BUDGET – 1|Page The Chief apprised the Commission of the status of the 2021 Budget, which was forwarded to the Common Council on October 20. While workshops are scheduled for November, the Chief noted our departments figures are on target with the Chief’s original requests. MINUTES/REPORTS A. MINUTES – On the motion of Comm. Starr, second by Comm. Sponaugle, the Commission approved the minutes of the September meeting as written. B. BILLS –The Commission reviewed the September bills totaling $13,410.65 and were approved on the motion of Comm. Sponaugle, second by Comm. Starr. C. REPORTS – The reports as approved on the motion of Comm. Starr, second by Comm. Sponaugle, were highlighted as follows: 1. Year-To-Date Budget – The budget was reviewed by account and the Deputy Chief noted various equipment repairs that will be very costly; i.e. radios, siren boxes and the like. 2. Vehicle Maintenance – The Deputy Chief apprised the Commission of the status of the vehicles. 3. Overtime - Various categories of overtime hours were reviewed. 4. Parking Tickets - Number of tickets continue to be lower than last year’s monthly count; however with the return of the Parking Enforcement Officer the deficit has decreased significantly. 6. Arrest Breakdown - It was noted that all statistics are now decreased. OTHER BUSINESS A. COMMENDATION, APPRECIATION, CORRESPONDENCE REPORT - 1. American Sign and Engraving sent a $150 dontation to the K9 Fund. 2. Chief Catalano attended a NYS DCJS Law Enforcement Webinar Series entitled, Perspectives on Police Reform. 3. Ms. Lisa Hoeschele of Family Counseling Services sent an email to Lt. David Guerrera and Ptl. Jesse Abbott, thanking them for their participation in their recent Justice League program. 4. Chief Catalano received an email from Ms. Kristen Beard of the Child Advocacy Center, thanking Sgt. Cheyenne Cute for his outstanding Case Study at their Virtual NYSCA Leadership Conference. 5. Ptl. Derrick Edick submitted a Notice of Transfer to Chief Catalano, stating his intention to transfer to the Town of Camillus Police Department on November 2, 2020. Chief Catalano responded, accepting with regret, Ptl. Edick’s letter. B. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS – 1. Comm. Starr had 3 questions as follows: 2|Page  #1…from some of the Old Business minutes of the September meeting. The Chief responded and updated the Commission accordingly.  #2…regarding the recent string of larcenies. The Chief and Deputy Chief responded and discussion ensued.  #3…regarding the increased attention on drug problems noted around the City and County. The Chief and Deputy Chief responded. 2. Comm. Sponaugle noted he will have completed his 14-day quarantine as of tomorrow. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, on the motion of Comm. Starr, Second by Comm. Sponaugle, the meeting was adjourned at 11:28 AM. Respectfully submitted, Diane L. Ferri Confidential Secretary 3|Page