Police Commission

LACONIA POLICE COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 15, 2014 PRESENT: Chairman Warren C. Clement, Commissioner Douglas A. Whittum, Commissioner Armand E. Maheux, Chief Christopher A. Adams, Captain Matthew J. Canfield, Lieutenant Richard E. Simmons, Prosecutor James A. Sawyer, and Deborah M. Simkins EXCUSED: Captain William F. Clary GUESTS: Mayor Ed Engler, City Manager Scott Myers, Councilor Brenda Baer, Councilor Ava Doyle, Ann Kaligian, Tammy Ouellette, Dave Ouellette, Gail Ober, Karen Babotas, Sergeant Thomas Swett, Detective Chris Noyes, Officer Adam Batstone, Officer Lindsey Legere, Family and Friends of Officer Batstone Chairman Clement called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Commissioner Maheux led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Clement honored Officer Stephen Arkell with a Moment of Silence. ITEM #1 Commendations & Awards. Commissioner Whittum recognized those Officers/employees who utilized no sick time during the year 2013, which is commendable. The Officer/employees were identified as Sergeant Dennis L. Ashley, Officer Richard J. Bassett, Captain Matthew J. Canfield, Captain William F. Clary, Officer Kyle A. Jepsen, Officer Patrick M. Lyons, Dispatcher Amanda H.D. Mountford, Officer Kendra L. Neri, Detective Christopher R.A. Noyes, Officer Robert E. Sedgley, Jr., Lieutenant Richard E. Simmons, Dispatcher Wayne W. Swearingin, and Detective Jeffrey P. Wholley. Commissioner Maheux recognized Officers/employees of the Department for time in service; including Administrative Assistant Deborah M. Simkins and Administrative Assistant Tammy L. Ouellette, each for thirty-five years, Evidence Technician Michael A. Moyer for thirty years, Sergeant Gary A. Hubbard for twenty-five years, Chief Christopher A. Adams for twenty years, Chairman Warren C. Clement, Sergeant/Detective Thomas E. Swett, Sergeant Michael P. Finogle, Detective Jeffrey P. Wholley, Officer Steven A. Orton, Officer Donald W. Kimtis, Jr., and Dispatcher Marnell A. Dilorenzo for fifteen years, Officer Benjamin C. Black, Officer Joseph R. Marquis, Officer Robert E. Sedgley, Jr., Dispatcher Timothy M. Brunelle, and Dispatcher Kenneth J. Smith for ten years, and Officer Brandy N. Enis for five years. Laconia Police Commission May 15, 2014 Page 2 Officer Steven A. Orton received a Letter of Commendation relative to a Burglary at the Boys and Girls Club, Officer Jonathan R. Howe received a Meritorious Service Award for the collateral duties he performs in a very professional and efficient manner, Detective Christopher R.A. Noyes received a Meritorious Service Award for the numerous drug-related investigations conducted, and Detective Kevin M. Butler and Detective Christopher R.A. Noyes received a Meritorious Service Award for their effective use of interviews in closing serious criminal investigations. Distinguished Unit Action Awards were presented to Captain William F. Clary, Sergeant Thomas E. Swett, Detective Kevin M. Butler, Detective Christopher R.A. Noyes, Detective Jeffrey P. Wholley, Detective Daniel R. Carsen, Detective Peter C.A. Horan, and Officer Steven A. Orton for the successful execution of a Search Warrant and arrest of a dealer of significant amounts of Narcotics in our Community. An Honorable Service Award was presented to Lieutenant Alfred J. Lessard for the duties he has performed over the past three years as well as the time he volunteers with local community programs. Officer Adam C. Batstone was recognized as Officer of the Year for his dedication to duty as well as his active role as a Fleet Maintenance Officer, a Taser and Active Shooter Instructor, a Field Training Officer, a member of the Department’s Motorcycle Unit, and also participates in community events. Chairman Clement advised this is just a small part of what the members of the Department do on a daily basis and he is very proud to be a part of this organization. ITEM #1B Training. 1) 27th DARE International Training Conference – Officer Michelle Cardinal. Lieutenant Lessard advised Officer Cardinal is our DARE Officer and has been selected specifically to attend this training. Lieutenant Lessard advised there is no charge to the Department. Chairman Clement entertained a motion to approve the out-of-State school, moved by Commissioner Maheux, seconded by Commissioner Whittum, and passed unanimously. 2) Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Training – Officer Kevin Shortt and Officer Eric Adams Lieutenant Lessard advised this training is again at no cost to the Department and is very beneficial as Laconia is host to Motorcycle Week every year. Chairman Clement entertained a motion to approve the out-of-State School, moved by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously. Lieutenant Lessard advised Officer Austin Schilling with begin at the Police Academy on Monday and Officer Tyler Babineau is preparing to test for the Law Package only. Lieutenant Lessard advised Sergeant Ashley will begin his Bicycle Training Course on Monday and there are fifteen signed up to attend. Laconia Police Commission May 15, 2014 Page 3 ITEM #1C Miscellaneous – Laconia Links. Chief Adams advised the Drug Take Back Program was held once again this year on April 26, 2014, was very successful and made front page news for the April 18, 2014, Laconia Links. Chief Adams advised our two newest members to the Department were featured as well; Officer Tyler Babineau and Officer Austin Schilling. Chief Adams advised there was an article with regard to the Special Olympics Torch Run, and an article featuring Lieutenant Lessard and the NH Jag Program. ITEM #1D Resignations/Retirement. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #1E Hirings. Commissioner Maheux inquired if the Department is at full complement and was advised yes. ITEM #1F Promotions/Reorganization. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #2A Support Division. Lieutenant Lessard advised benefits for non union employees have a couple of changes and go into effect on July 1, 2014. Lieutenant Lessard advised the employee will be paying 8% toward the insurance premium, City will contribute $1,000 to the health account for each employee for reimbursement toward the deductible, and HMO low payment is $250 from the City and will pay 50% of the City’s cost which is approximately $4,040. Chairman Clement advised health care has changed and the reimbursement has been changed also. Chairman Clement entertained a motion to accept the new policy changes as submitted, moved by Commissioner Maheux, seconded by Commissioner Whittum, and passed unanimously. Lieutenant Lessard advised there will be a 2% COLA on July 1, 2014, for non union employees. Chairman Clement entertained a motion to approve the COLA raises, moved by Commissioner Maheux, seconded by Commissioner Whittum, and passed unanimously. Lieutenant Lessard advised Bereavement Leave will now include grandparents. Chairman Clement entertained a motion to approve the change in the Bereavement Leave, moved by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously. ITEM #2B Operations Division. Lieutenant Simmons advised Motorcycle Week planning is underway and the Motorcycle Breakfast Briefing is scheduled for May 28, in the Woodside Building at the Taylor Home. Lieutenant Simmons advised Officer Bassett is currently in the Motorcycle School and should be done this week and Officer Lyons will be attending Bicycle Patrol training next week. Commissioner Maheux inquired about those who will be assisting during Motorcycle Week and Laconia Police Commission May 15, 2014 Page 4 was advised it is the same agencies and a lot of the same Officers. ITEM #2C Legal Division. Prosecutor Sawyer advised in March, he was approached by a former intern in reference to attending a meeting with youth in the community which was very interesting. Prosecutor Sawyer advised he met with a very bright intern yesterday who will be a Junior at Georgetown and who is interested in seeing the workings of the Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutor Sawyer advised the Detectives are currently conducting a background investigation on another potential Victim Services Unit Volunteer. ITEM #3 Orders and Bulletins. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #4 Approval of April 17, 2014, Minutes and April 17, 2014, Non-Public Session Minutes. Chairman Clement entertained a motion to approve the minutes as presented, moved by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously. ITEM #5A Department Monthly Highlights. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #5B Monthly Fleet Report. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #5C Criminal Investigative Unit Statistics. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #5D Monthly Patrol Division Statistics. Chief Adams advised the Crimes Against Persons showed an increase in 4%, a decrease of 22% with regard to Group A Crimes Against Property, Group A Crimes Against Society showed a decrease of 56%, and Group B Crimes were a decrease of 3%. ITEM #5E Budget Print-Out. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #5F Monthly Traffic Statistic. Chief Adams advised there were thirty-nine accidents investigated during the month of April with no injuries reported. The Chief advised eight of the accidents were the result of unsafe backing, six for driver inattention/distraction, and three from physical impairment. ITEM #6 Correspondence to and from the Department. Chief Adams advised there were a few thank you letters received; one for Lieutenant Lessard for the tour of the building and an e-mail in reference to concerns of the homeless people in the Downtown area with regard to the rubbish they are creating, along with the crime associated with these issues. Laconia Police Commission May 15, 2014 Page 5 ITEM #7 Chief’s Report and Requests for Commission Action. ITEM #7A Performance Assessment Cards. Chief Adams advised the report cards have been mostly A’s, but there were a couple of B’s and C’s. ITEM #7B Cop Cards. Chief Adams advised the first series of Cop Cards was in 1997 and has proven to be a fun project for the children in the community. Chief Adams advised the Department has been fortunate to receive a significant contribution from the Meredith Village Savings Bank as well as a recent Golf Tournament. ITEM #7C Law Enforcement Torch Run – Special Olympics. Chief Adams advised several Officers from the Department will be participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run which is scheduled for May 27, 2014, and the Laconia Police Department is proud of its ongoing relationship with the Special Olympics. ITEM #7D Police Appreciation Week. Chief Adams advised the Woodland Heights School delivered salads and pizzas to the Department in recognition for Police Appreciation Week for all three shifts and gifts and food were received from the Acorn Brown’s Turtle Town Daycare in support of “Thank our Local Community Heroes Week”. ITEM #8 Old Business. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #9 New Business. Laconia High School – Lieutenant Lessard introduced High School students Carly and Savannah who are working in conjunction with Officer Steven Orton in planning the Chem Free Prom Party. Lieutenant Lessard presented them with a check in the amount of $1,000 from the Police Relief Association. ITEM #10 Confirm Date of Next Regular or Special Meeting. The June Meeting was scheduled for June 26, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room at Laconia Police Headquarters, 126 New Salem Street. ITEM #11 Other Business. Chief Adams advised a contingency of Officers will be going to Concord for the Memorial on Monday and Laconia Police Officer Dolloff will be recognized as one of the first New Hampshire Officers who died in the line of duty. ITEM #12 Citizen Comments. Gail inquired if bicycle patrols are out now and was advised yes. Lieutenant Simmons advised the Bicycle Patrol Units have been spending a little bit of time in the Weirs on the weekends, but have been mostly Downtown. Laconia Police Commission May 15, 2014 Page 6 ITEM #13 Non-Public Session. On a motion by Chairman Clement, moved by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously, in accordance with RSA 91-A:3 II (a), the Laconia Police Commission entered into Non-Public Session at 3:52. p.m. At 4:02 p.m., the Non-Public Session ended on a Motion by Commissioner Maheux, seconded by Commissioner Whittum, with a unanimous vote to maintain the Minutes as confidential, in accordance with RSA 91:A:3, III. There being nothing further to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously at 4:02 p.m. _______________________________ Douglas A. Whittum, Clerk Laconia Police Commission /dms