Police Commission Minutes 07/06/05

The Rochester Police Commission held their regular monthly meeting on July 6, 2005. Present at this meeting was Chairman Dumont, Comm. Flanagan, Comm. Stenhouse, Chief Dubois, Capt. Callaghan, Attorney Grossman, and Secretary Warburton, members of the Department, the public and the media.

A. Maintenance Bids: Review and Award. Chief Dubois advised that in the packet was a memorandum from Capt. Allen regarding the biannual maintenance bids. These bids are for radio maintenance, scheduled vehicle maintenance (oil and filter), car washing, vehicle repairs, dry cleaning, clothing and ammunition.

It is our recommendation that we award the bid to the low bidding vendor for each of these services, with the exception of vehicle repairs. We recommend going back out to bid for the vehicle repairs proposal. We only received one bid, and they do not have a certified mechanic on staff.

Comm. Flanagan MOVED to award the bids, as presented, to the low bidder, with the exception of the vehicle repairs bid, as recommended by staff. SECOND by Comm. Stenhouse. Open for discussion.

Comm. Stenhouse asked if we are awarding Admiral Citgo the scheduled maintenance bid, but not the vehicle repairs bid? Chief Dubois responded that was correct. Comm. Stenhouse asked, what is a ‘certified’ mechanic? Chief Dubois advised that this particular vendor’s mechanic does not have certification in NH and he cannot perform NH State inspections at this time.

1. Disorderly Residence Ordinance. Capt. Callaghan reported this matter came up at our last meeting. He has followed up on this and spoken with Greg Doyon, the City Manager in Franklin. Mr. Doyon will be sending us information regarding their ordinance. This holds the landlords responsible for the actions of their tenants. The goal, if we are to introduce this, is to improve the quality of life. Comm. Stenhouse asked if it appears this would be applicable here? Capt. Callaghan responded, “absolutely.” Chief Dubois advised that we have entered into some preliminary discussion with the Codes office. We would like to begin working with the Council’s Codes and Ordinance’s committee to explore this further. The Commission had no objection to said action.

1. Distinguished Unit Action Award. Chief Dubois noted that the following 15 Department members were recognized with this award, for their teamwork during the investigation and subsequent arrests from the armed robbery of the Knight Street Cumberland Farms store, which occurred on June 12, 2005.

Chief Dubois stated we are extremely proud of these men and women for the service they perform for the City of Rochester. Recipients of the award included: Lt. Paul Toussaint, Sgt. Anthony Deluca, Det. Sgt. Anthony Triano, Pros. Diane Dubay, Off. Eric Babine, Det. Jamey Balint, Off. Brenden Bentz, Det. Gary Boudreau, Det. Keith Dietenhofer, Det. Eric Dugas, Det. Andrew Jackson, Off. Justin Livingstone, Off. Chris Mangum, Off. Keith MacKenzie, Det. Hana Stickles

2. Looking Beyond the Traffic Ticket: Chief Dubois noted that four Department members were honored for proactive law enforcement at a luncheon sponsored by the NH Police Standards and Training Council. This award in the profession is also known as “Looking Beyond the Traffic Ticket.” Chief Dubois stated that we had the most recipients in the State this year, and one of two Departments to recognize a Captain. Honored for their work on Route 11 via the motorcycle unit was Officer John Harding and Officer Tim Morgan. Also honored for the proactive work on Route 11 is Captain Paul Callaghan. Officer Jim Fox received recognition for having the most DWI arrests for the Department during the reporting period.

Comm. Stenhouse commented that several years ago he attended this luncheon with former Chief Dan Auger and he noted it is quite an impressive presentation.

3. Academy Award Recognitions: Officer Brandon Kimbrough who was one of five members graduating from the Academy on July 1, 2005 received two recognitions. The first was for the most improved cadet, and he also received the physical fitness award.

4. US Marshall’s “Operation Falcon” Recognition: Chief Dubois also quickly recognized Sgt. Stephen Burke and Officer Keith Dietenhofer for their work with the US Marshall’s Service for their work during Operation Falcon, a nationwide effort conducted in April to apprehend fugitives. Seventy arrests were made in the State during the operation, with 10 of them being credited in Strafford County made by Rochester, Dover and federal authorities.

B. Coupons to recognize bike helmet use: Review and Approve participation Chief Dubois advised this is a joint program with the Brain Injury Foundation and Domino’s Pizza to reward young adults with a pizza coupon for wearing appropriate head gear while biking. We would like to participate in this program.

There was no objection by the Commission for this Department to participate. They noted it is a good program that brings awareness to an important issue.

Comm. Flanagan MOVED to enter a non-public session at 7:15 P.M. for the purpose of personnel and legal matters. SECOND by Comm. Stenhouse. The motion PASSED by roll call vote, Comm. Stenhouse-yes, Comm. Flanagan-yes, Chairman Dumont -yes.

The non-public session closed at 8:24 P.M. on a MOTION by Comm. Stenhouse, who also MOVED to seal the minutes, SECOND by Comm. Flanagan and PASSED unanimously.

Comm. Flanagan MOVED that based on a passing evaluation, as outlined in the Union contract, a merit increase is granted to Officer Michael Mundy and Sgt. Anthony Deluca. SECOND by Comm. Stenhouse and PASSED unanimously.

Comm. Flanagan MOVED that based on a passing evaluation a merit increase is granted to Lt. Scott Dumas and Lt. Anne Gould. SECOND by Comm. Stenhouse and PASSED unanimously.