NEWINGTON POLICE COMMISSION

         MEETING SCHEDULE 2011-2012

1. Monday, May 2, 2011

2. Monday, June 13, 2011

3. Monday, July 11, 2011

4. Monday August 8, 2011

5. Tuesday, September 12, 2011

6. Monday, October 3, 2011

7. Monday, November 7, 2011

8. Monday, December 5, 2011

9. Tuesday, January 3, 2012

10. Monday, February 6, 2012

11. Monday, March 5, 2012

12. Monday, April 2, 2012 (Organizational Meeting)

NOTE: All meetings are at 4:00 p.m. at the Newington Police Station unless otherwise indicated

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                                       NEWINGTON POLICE COMMISSION

MINUTES

There was a meeting of the Newington Police Commissioners on Monday, December 5, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. at the police department. 

PRESENT:  Commissioner Douglas Ross, Commissioner F. Jackson Hoyt, Commissioner Paul Kent, and Chief Jon D. Tretter.

I

CALL TO ORDER

 Chairman Ross called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. 

II

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 

On a MOTION by Commissioner Kent and seconded by Commissioner Hoyt, the Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the November 3, 2011, meeting as written. 

There were no other minutes. 

III

POLICE COMMISSION INFORMATION 

A. Staff Update -

        Candidate Sean O'Reilly - The Chief told the Commissioners that Sean O'Reilly has successfully completed the pre-employment background check, polygraph exam, psychological exam, and physical exam. Sean O'Reilly was introduced to the Commissioners and after the interview, on a MOTION by Commissioner Kent and seconded by Commissioner Hoyt, the Commissioners voted unanimously to present Sean O'Reilly with a final offer of employment as a Full-Time Probationary Police Officer, effective December 19, 2011. 

B. Other Police Commission Information -            

IV

OLD BUSINESS 

A. 2013 Utility Vehicle -

                  The Chief told the Commissioners that the Selectmen have approved encumbering funds from the 2011 budget for the purchase of the 2013 police utility vehicle. The Chief said that Selectman Rick Stern recommended that they purchase the 2013 police utility package, rather than just the basic model. 

 B. Sealed Minutes -                                                                                                                                                       The Commissioners reviewed the sealed minutes and made recommendations for those minutes which can be unsealed and those which will remain sealed. The Commissioners voted unanimously to unseal the minutes where there was a majority consensus . The Commissioners will review the remaining sealed minutes again in six months. 

C. Other Old Business -

         The Commissioners discussed recognizing department members for their performance during this past year, while the department was down by 3 full-time positions, which represents 50% of the normal patrol force. The Commissioners found that, for an extended period of time, department personnel were required to assume additional duties and work irregular schedules on short notice in order to provide a satisfactory level of enforcement presence for the community. They assumed and performed these extra duties in a professional and noteworthy manner. On a MOTION by Commissioner Ross and seconded by Commissioner Kent, the Commissioners voted unanimously to expend up to $5,000 for recognition of department members as designated by the Chief. The Chief told the Commissioners he intends to do a letter of recognition for each department member for their personnel file.  

V

NEW BUSINESS 

A. Board of Selectmen Meeting -

            The Chief told the Commissioners that the 2012 police department budget will be presented to the BOS on December 12, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. 

B. 2012 Police Budget -

            The Commissioners reviewed the 2012 budget proposal. The Chief told the Commissioners that the overall operating budget is down by approximately 3%. There were no changes recommended by the Commissioners. The Chief told the Commissioners that the budget does include the purchase of ballistic vests which will be covered by a 50-50 grant from the DOJ.

            Commissioner Ross asked the Chief if he thought it would be beneficial to the town to consider purchasing the automatic plate recognition cameras. The Chief said he would look into the legal aspects involved with these systems. Commissioner Ross said there are grants available for the purchase of the equipment which can be mounted in a stationary position or in a vehicle. The Chief said it would be a great tool for crime prevention and apprehension and he will look into obtaining more information. Commissioner Ross told the Chief he will bring him an article on the cameras. 

C. Non-Public Session RSA 91-A:3 II(b) Personnel Matter - Not required. 

D. The Commissioners reviewed the purchase order file and signed the blanket purchase orders for 2012. 

VI

NEXT MEETING DATE/TIME/LOCATION 

The next meeting of the Police Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. at the police department. 

VII

ADJOURNMENT 

On a MOTION by Commissioner Hoyt and seconded by Commissioner Kent, the Commissioners voted unanimously to adjourn at 4:55 p.m. 

                                                For F. Jackson Hoyt, Secretary

                                                            by Diana St. Laurent