Board of Police Commissioners

REGULAR MEETING WEST HAVEN BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS February 2, 2016 The Regular meeting of the West Haven Board of Police Commissioners was held on February 2, 2016 at Police Headquarters, 200 Saw Mill Rd. West Haven Present were Commissioners Raymond Collins, Paul Butler, Jr., Andrew Giaquinto, and Deborah Wright. Also present were Chief John Karajanis, Deputy Chief Joseph Perno, Det/Sgt Walter Casey, President of Local 895, and Brent Watt, Council Liaison. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairperson Collins called the meeting to order at 7:06 The following item was added to the Agenda: 7.10, Tow Policy. A motion was then presented by Chairperson Collins to accept the February 2, 2016 agenda as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Butler and approved unanimously 1. Election of New Officers -A motion was made by Commissioner Giaquinto to nominate Ray Collins as Chairperson. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Wright, and approved unanimously -A motion was made by Commissioner Giaquinto to nominate Paul Butler as vice chair, second by Chairperson Collins and approved unanimously -It was noted by Chairperson Collins that Commissioner Wright will remain as Chairperson of the Pension Committee 2. Minutes of January 19, 2016 -A motion was presented by Chairperson Collins to accept the Minutes of January 19, 2016. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wright and approved unanimously. 3. Public Input -Det./Sgt. Walter Casey thanked the commissioners for promoting Ronald Celentano and Joe D'Amato. He also stated that in this meeting's agenda, under items 7.1 7.2 are the retirements of 2 detectives. He stated that the department is short on detectives, and yet another detective will be retiring shortly, Det. Gary Hunt, an officer of 40 years, one of the best investigators, good at interviewing people, and very inquisitive. Det./Sgt. Casey stated he can't emphasize enough about open detective slots, and the importance of these positions in the department and to the community. He stated hopefully in the coming meetings these positions will be filled. 4. Communications 4.1 Training Division Monthly Report-January 2016 4.2 Investigative Services Division Monthly Reports-December 2015 5. Report to the Chief -Chief Karajanis reported that he attended a training by FBI, as well as attended department head meeting with city department heads. 6. Old Business 6.1 Ordinance Violation Hearing-Frank Vieira-chicken in back yard -Attorney Vincent Falcone, representative for Mr. Vieira, stated that he went to zoning board of appeals and obtained variance. He also stated that the ordinance under which they were cited was out of place and needs to be revised, as the ordinance lists as farm animals in same category: horses, cows, cattle, pigs and sheep, with the same regulation as chickens. Not only did they get a variance, but requested that a new variance is put into place with chickens as a separate category. Asks that case be dismissed at this time. Deputy Chief Perno stated everything has been done, and that Attorney Falcone far exceeded what he expected. Motion to dismiss violation was presented by Commissioner Butler. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Wright and approved unanimously. 6.1a Litigation Executive Session -Not needed 7. New Business 7.1 Request Retirement-Det. Gary Hunt -A motion was presented by Commissioner Butler to accept Det. Hunt's request for retirement. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Giaquinto, and approved unanimously. 7.2 Request Disability Retirement-Det. Christy Conelli -A motion to was presented by Chairperson Collins accept to accept Detective Conelli's request for Disability Retirement. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Butler and was approved unanimously 7.3 Promotion to Det/Sgt-Ronald Celentano - Deputy Chief Perno stated that Det/Sgt Celentano was hired as a Grade B patrol officer on 7/11/86. After completing a full year, he was then promoted to Grade A patrol until April of 1992 when he was promoted to the Street Crime Unit. He was then promoted to Sergeant on January 7, 2000. He worked in Street Crime patrol from 1/10/03-12/05. On 1/16/16 he was promoted to Detective Sergeant. Deputy Chief Perno listed some of Det./Sgt. Celentano's career accolades: -In 1991 he was instrumental in diffusing a situation involving suicide person. Again in 1991 was is credited with disarming an individual reaching for semi-automatic weapon -He received citation for a drug seizure -In 1993, he apprehended a subject who assaulted 81 year old female, and recovered her purse, -1994 he responded to drug overdose at a local hotel, and was then responsible for the apprehension of numerous suspects as well as the seizure of drugs. -Deputy Chief Perno then stated that he is very proud of where Det./Sgt. Celentano is going in his career. -Detective/Sergeant Celentano was then sworn in by Chief Karajanis. 7.4 Promotion to Sergeant-Officer Joseph D'Amato -Deputy Chief Perno stated that Officer D'Amato started with the West Haven Police Department in June of 2008, he was then promoted to Grade A Patrol in June of 2013. Deputy Chief Perno stated that Officer D'Amato served as the department’s most effective Community Resource Officer, and is now a member of the traffic unit. Deputy Chief Perno stated that Officer D'Amato is very involved in the community, with West Haven Youth Hockey and the West Haven High School Hockey team. Deputy Chief Perno said that Officer D'Amato is a calm, level headed officer and will be an asset to the rank of Sergeant. -A motion was then presented by Commissioner Butler to accept the promotion of Officer Joseph D'Amato to Sergeant, effective February 5, 2016. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wright, and was approved unanimously. -Sergeant D'Amato was sworn in by Chief Karajanis 7.5 Ordinance Violation Hearing-Robert Maselli - Blight -Sgt. Dave Tammaro addressed the commissioners stating that Mr. Maselli is in -compliance for all blight ordinances and recommended that the fine that would be imposed be waived. -A motion was presented to waive fine by Commissioner Butler, second by Commissioner Wright, and approved unanimously. 7.2a- Litigation Executive Hearing -not needed 7.6 Ordinance Violation Hearing-Javier Mendez - Blight -Mr. Mendez reported that ordinances are now in compliance. -A motion was presented to waive fine by Commissioner Butler, second by Commissioner Giaquinto and approved unanimously. 7.3a-Litigation Executive Hearing -not needed 7.7 Ordinance Violation Hearing-Dennis Vaders- Parking Violation -Mr. Vaders introduced himself as a new resident to the city, and indicated that he was still familiarizing himself with the parking rules of the city. He stated that he was cited under code violation 170 of ordinances which indicates Parks and Recreation. Mr. Vaders then suggested that area he parked in was not a park and recreation area, as his deed shows he owns that property. Commissioner Collins explains that the beach is considered a park and recreation area, to which Mr. Vaders indicated that it would be easily misunderstood. Chairperson Collins asked Mr. Vaders if he is still parking his vehicle in that area. Mr. Vaders stated he does occasionally park there while he moves his vehicles around, however is no longer parking his vehicle in that area for an extended period of time. Mr. Vaders indicated that while there is a regulation to not park in the bike lane, people do tend to do that temporarily as well. Mr. Vaders also questioned that some residents put parking areas in their property, and wanted to know which residences were able to do so. Chairperson Collins stated he would like to table this topic for discussion and further research until the next meeting. Commissioner Wright presented a motion to table this topic. Commissioner Butler seconded this motion and it was approved unanimously. Mr. Vaders was instructed by Chairperson Collins not to pay the fine until he was contacted with a decision. 7.4a Litigation Executive Hearing -not needed 7.8 The Savin Rock ½ and Full Marathon-Saturday 3/19/16 -A motion was presented to approve this event by Commissioner Wright. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Giaquinto and was approved unanimously 7.9 Karli Mae Foundation Motorcycle Benefit Ride-Saturday 4/10/16 -A motion was presented by Commissioner Butler to approve this event, and was seconded by Commissioner Wright. The motion approved unanimously 7.10 Tow Policy -Deputy Chief Perno stated that Master Patrol Officer Costanzo did some research into the collection of fines which are not received from cars towed during snow storm emergencies, or if the car is blocking a fire hydrant or driveway of a resident. Based on non payment of tickets, this new policy would state that the tow company towing the vehicle will collect and/or pay fine to police dept. within 72 hours. They can either add it to their tow charge or to their storage fees. If nobody picks up vehicle, there is a form that will allow them to gain ownership of vehicle. Deputy Chief Perno asked the board to add this to the tow policy effective ASAP. Chairperson Collins motioned to make this policy effective March 1, 2016. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wright and passed unanimously. 8. Pension Board 8.1 Request Retirement Benefits – Detective Gary Hunt - Commissioner Wright stated that Det. Hunt accrued services for 40 years, and that all figures were correct. A motion to was presented to accept this request by Commissioner Butler. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Giaquinto and passed unanimously. Detective Hunt's retirement will be effective February 5, 2016. 8.2 Request for Disability Retirement Benefits – Detective Christy Conelli -Commissioner Wright stated that Detective Conelli's figures are correct, and her disability retirement would be effective February 3, 2016. A motion was presented by Commissioner Butler to accept this request. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Giaquinto and passed unanimously. 9. Report of Committees-Personnel Committee -Nothing to Report 10. Commissioner Reports -Chairperson Collins stated that they are looking into raising rates of parking fines to $50. $100, and $150. The Beach Parking Committee also approved, however, fines have to go through City Council as they decide on all ordinances, and fines. -Chairperson Collins said it was requested to recreate, along with Fire Department an ERS commission, which will consist of Commissioners Collins, Butler, and Giaquinto, as well as fire commissioners. 11. Executive Session - A motion was presented by Commissioner Wright to enter into executive session at 7:34. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Butler and approved unanimously. -Chairperson Collins Adjourned the meeting at 7:34