Public Safety Commission

The City of Middletown MIDDLETOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT 222 Main Street Middletown, CT 06457 860.638-4100 FAX 860.638-4104 RPerichi@MiddletownCTPolice.com PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020 6:30 P.M. VIA WEBEX 1. Chairman Darnell Ford Calls Meeting to Order at 6:57 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilman Darnell Ford, Chairman Councilwoman Meghan Carta Councilman Anthony Mangiafico Councilwoman Linda Salafia MEMBER ABSENT: Councilman Philip Pessina STAFF PRESENT: William McKenna – Chief of Police Michael Timbro – Deputy Chief of Police Captain John Lozefski – Administrative Commander 2. Approval of Minutes – April 30, 2020 Councilwoman Linda Salafia made a Motion to approve the Public Safety Commission (PSC) Minutes for April 30, 2020; Seconded by Councilwoman Meghan Carta. There being no further discussion or objection, Motion approved. Approval of Minutes – May 19, 2020 Councilwoman Carta made a Motion to approve the PSC Minutes for May 19, 2020; Seconded by Councilwoman Salafia. There being no further discussion or objection, Motion approved. 3. Public Hearing – Matters on the Agenda Only None 4. Correspondence Chief William McKenna stated that (Recording Secretary) Rosa E-mailed ‘Atta Boy’ correspondence to the PSC members; and he then proceeded to briefly go over them. Chairman Ford thanked Chief McKenna, adding that in these difficult times, it’s important to look at both sides between the Police and the Community, remain transparent, and acknowledge everything that goes on between the Police and the Constituents. 5. Monthly Reports Chief McKenna reported that he believes they may be able to end the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year without an appropriation. Captain John Lozefski agreed with Chief McKenna, as long as there are no unforeseen activities. 6. Old Business a. Animal Shelter Captain Lozefski stated that the Wetlands were signed off; that Pieper Olson’s representative was just waiting for City Hall to sign off on the City Permit; that if it gets signed today, they’ll begin the foundation, and the building will be delivered no later than July 23rd; and they should be in there in the first week of September. 7. New Business a. Update on Firing Range Building Captain Lozefski explained that they’re entering an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the F.B.I. where the Middletown Police will pay for a Feasibility Study and be reimbursed by the F.B.I. to move forward. Public Safety Commission Meeting June 15, 2020 Page 2 He added that the F.B.I. advised him today that because they haven’t spent any money, they may just skip that step and go straight to the bidding process. He said he’ll know for sure at tomorrow’s Firing Range Building Committee (FRBC) Meeting. A brief Q&A/Discussion followed. Councilwoman Salafia said she heard, via Facebook, that someone got bitten by a rabid fox. She wanted to know if that was true. Chief McKenna and Captain Lozefski said that had not reached their offices. She then asked if they (Police) had any comment about the budget change to Private Duty. Chief McKenna said he did not. Anthony Mangiafico stated it’s his understanding that Chief McKenna plans to add one (1) Police Officer per year for the next four (4) years, and asked Chief McKenna if that’s correct. Chief McKenna said yes. Councilman then asked if Chief McKenna could provide what his rationale is regarding where those numbers are coming from, so they could explain it in case they’re asked. Chief McKenna said he would put something together and E-mail the information to them. He then asked if they had an idea when the money for the FRBC Feasibility Study might be allocated and when the study might be completed. Captain Lozefski said he believes Chris Holden (Public Works) has that information; that he believes they put the $30,000.00 aside, and are waiting for the MOU to get drafted. As for the Feasibility Study, he doesn’t know how long it would take, but believes it would be a few months. Captain Lozefski then provided information on the rabid fox inquiry, saying that it was a gentleman that was bitten several times on his shoe and it scratched him; that he has not received any complaints, phone calls, or texts. 8. Public Hearing Reopened – Other Matters None Chairman Ford commented on the tough decisions where people view the Police Department in this point in time; the push to have Social and Racial Justice, and having to make hard decisions along with their budget. He believes they’re in a good position to continue to collaborate; that it was a great conversation with Chief McKenna and Mayor Benjamin Florsheim; that they should continue that throughout the (Public Safety) Commission with the citizens, and be as transparent as possible, explaining as much as they can and educate the citizens on why they’re making the decisions and the importance behind it. He mentioned Chief McKenna’s explanation about the additional Officer; that while it’s important to the Department, he also understood in light of what’s going on, the appearance it might give the citizens of Middletown, and what it looks like across the nation as far as what people are asking for. He added that it’s very important they work together on what they want Middletown to look like, what they hear from the citizens, and how they want to collaborate on making sure they’re all working together; that the great men and women, especially Police and Fire – they want to make sure they’re safe; and if the citizens are asking to feel safe and protected, how are they going to work together to provide that. He added that everyone’s safety is important; and they need to do what’s best and communicate in doing that. 9. Meeting Adjourned… Chairman Ford adjourned the meeting at 7:22 P.M. Next Public Safety Commission Meeting: Monday, July 20, 2020, 6:30 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Rosa B. Perichi Recording Secretary