Police Commission

POLICE COMMISSION MINUTES-DRAFT March 23, 2023 PRESENT: Chairman Jim Sponaugle, Commissioner Liz Starr, Commissioner Trish Hansen, Commissioner Cheryl Michales, Commissioner Michael Whitlock, Chief Paul Sandy and Tracey Hatfield. A member of the public also joined the meeting to observe. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Police Commission was held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 in the Main Conference Room at the Chamber of Commerce. Chairman Sponaugle called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. A. MINUTES –Approval of the February minutes was put on hold after a brief discussion. The February minutes will be put forth for approval again at the March meeting. B. BILLS –The Commission reviewed the February bills totaling $35,949.06 and were approved on the motion of Comm. Michales, second by Comm. Whitlock. C. REPORTS –The February reports as approved on the motion of Comm. Hansen second by Comm. Starr were highlighted as follows: 1. Invoice list for month – Brief discussion of tires being sent back to Tire Hub due to the cost. Brief discussion of drone training. 2. Year-To-Date Budget – Brief discussion of 2022 encumbrances. 3. Training Report –Nothing notable to discuss. 4. Vehicle Maintenance – Some of the older vehicles are having mechanical issues; brakes, tires, new starter in one vehicle. Two of the three new vehicles have arrived. They are not the correct vehicles but we are keeping them due to the long lead times to wait for the correct vehicles. When the third vehicle arrives, it will be the correct vehicle. We are having some brake issues on the new vehicles. 5. Overtime/Sick Time Comparison –Newer officers are picking up most of the overtime. This gives them more experience and saves money spent on overtime. 6. Overtime Breakdown– Short shift down. Shift swaps allow shifts to be covered without paying overtime. 7. Other Activities Report –Comm. Hansen questioned the number of overdose calls. The Commission would like the report to be modified to include lethal vs. non-lethal calls. 1|Page  8. Animal Report –Country Acres is working out very well. We are in talks with them to extend the contract. 9. Detective Bureau Cases –Brief discussion of a fatal motor vehicle accident and a fire investigation. 10. Officers Injury Report – No injuries in February. 11. Officers Activities Report – Night shifts are quieter, due to lower call volume. Numbers are up for our young officers; they are very proactive. 12. Parking Ticket Report – Numbers remain about the same. We still have one part-time PEO. The new digital system is moving along. Go-live is still several weeks out. 13. Bike Patrol Report –Bikes are being inspected for any needed repairs/maintenance before the weather gets better. 14. Arrest Breakdown –Numbers are up. OLD BUSINESS A. NEW BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS • Two in progress; hired one • No new April exam this year B. SALE OF VEHICLES • Auctioned several older vehicles • Brought in around $30,000 to go toward replacement vehicles C. COUNTRY ACRES • Nothing to add from previous discussion D. ACADEMY UPDATE • Two in Syracuse doing very well • Jiu Jitsu training has been added to the Syracuse Academy. This is a very effective tool to use in place of excessive force. 2|Page NEW BUSINESS A. NEW K9 • Some donations have been coming our way • We currently have enough funds to purchase a new dog, but we also need a new vehicle • We have a couple of officers interested in interviewing for the new K9 Officer position B. NEW VEHICLES: PATROL, TRU VAN, DETECTIVE BUREAU • TRU van has been sold, we are actively looking for a replacement • City Council approved $40,000 for the purchase of a new van • A new Detective vehicle was purchased locally • Two new patrol vehicles have arrived, waiting for one more • We are also waiting for an opening at Bush Electronics to have the new vehicles outfitted C. DEPARTMENT HEAD MEETING WITH ADMINISTRATION CANDIDATES • A hiring committee was selected to review all candidates • Department heads were allowed to interview the final two candidates selected and share their input with the Mayor • No decision has been made yet, more investigating is being done into both candidates D. PERSONNEL ISSUE UPDATE • Discussed during Executive Session OTHER BUSINESS A. COMMENDATION, APPRECIATION, and CORRESPONDENCE REPORT – nothing to discuss. B. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS – Comm. Michales nominated Comm. Sponaugle to fill the position of Chairman. Commissioners Hansen and Whitlock seconded the motion. Commissioners Starr and Michales will not be able to attend the April meeting on April 27. The meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 25th at 9 a.m. in the Main Conference Room at the Chamber of Commerce. 3|Page ADJOURNMENT At the request of Comm. Sponaugle, a motion was made by Comm. Michales, second by Comm. Hansen to go into Executive Session at 10:05 a.m. to discuss Personnel matters. With no further business to discuss, the Commission came out of Executive Session on the motion of Comm. Starr, second by Comm. Whitlock at 11:47 a.m. The meeting was adjourned at 11:47 a.m. on the motion of Comm. Michales, second by Comm. Starr. Respectfully submitted, Tracey Hatfield Sr. Account Clerk 4|Page