PORTSMOUTH BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

William D. Mortimer, Chairman

William F. Devine

John D. Kelley

MINUTES of the December 12, 2001 Monthly Meeting

Noon (Non-Public) 1:00 PM (Public) - Portsmouth Police Department 2nd Floor Conference Room

I. CALL TO ORDER: the Chairman called the December 12, 2001 monthly Police Commission

Meeting to order 12:04 PM.

(One cassette tape documenting this meeting is on file for reference).

Action:

Commissioner Devine moved that the Board convene a non-public session.

Seconded by Commissioner Kelley.

On a Roll Call Vote: the Board unanimously voted in favor of the motion at 12:04 PM

Present during non-public session: Commissioners Mortimer, Devine and Kelley,

Commissioner Pro-Tem Jerry Howe, Chief Brad Russ,

Deputy Chief Magnant.

Action:

Commissioner Devine moved that the Board return to public session.

Seconded by Commissioner Kelley.

On a Roll Call Vote: the Board unanimously voted in favor of the motion at 1:07 PM.

Present during public session: Commissioners Mortimer, Devine and Kelley, Commissioner Pro-Tem Jerry Howe, Chief Russ, Deputy Chief Magnant, Svetlana Cote,

Budget Coordinator Karen Senecal, Officer Maloney, Sergeant Case,

City Manager John Bohenko, one member of the print media and Executive Assistant Carol Bryant.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Jerry Howe.

III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:

Action:

Commissioner Kelley moved that the Board accept the minutes of the meetings held on

November 14, 2001.

Seconded by Commissioner Devine.

On a Roll Call Vote: the Board unanimously voted in favor of the motion.

IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None

V. NEW BUSINESS:

    1. POLICE COMMISSION:
    1. Personnel Items that Require Action

A. Action:

Commissioner Kelley moved that the Board appoint the following employees to permanent status: Terry Barrett, Personnel and Training Secretary, effective November 27, 2001 and Sally Hector, Dispatcher, effective December 7, 2001; and further that the Board accept the resignation of Dispatcher David Rabitor effective January 2, 2002

Seconded by Commissioner Devine.

On a Roll Call Vote: the Board unanimously voted in favor of the motion.

B. Action:

Commissioner Kelley moved that the Board accept the resignation of Dispatcher Katherine Meehan effective January 6, 2002.

Seconded by Commissioner Devine.

On a Roll Call Vote: the Board unanimously voted in favor of the motion.

B. CHIEF OF POLICE:

    1. Recognition of S. Robert Levine for his generous donation to the Seacoast Emergency Response Team.
    2. Recognition of Svetlana Cote of the Portsmouth Public Works Department for her assistance to the Police Department with preparation of detailed maps for homicide trials and grand jury investigations.
    3. Recognition of Officer Timothy Black and K-9 Turbo for narcotics detector dog team certification.
    4. Recognition of Officer Michael Maloney for response to a recent motor vehicle accident.
    5. Financial Reports were presented by Budget Coordinator Karen Senecal. Documents detailing the FY02 budget reallocation were distributed.
    6. Personnel & Training Report was presented.
    7. Community Relations Report was presented. A brief update on officers assisting in New York City was given by Chief Russ.
    8. The following Division and Team Reports were presented:
    1. Records Division
    2. Information Systems Division
    3. Accident Investigation Team
    4. Honor Guard
    5. Field Training and Evaluation Program
    6. STEP Program.
    7. Explorer Program

9. Letters of Thanks and Appreciation:

C. PATROL SERVICES BUREAU:

    1. Log Activity Reports were presented.
    2. Status of Personnel Out Sick or Injured - Officers Leedberg, Williams and Kaltenborn are out with off-duty injuries.
    1. Update on Special Events Log – the Christmas Parade and Lighting of the Christmas Tree went smoothly. It was noted that Chairman Mortimer represented the Commission well as Grand Marshall of the parade. First Night has been scaled back this year, with no outdoor events except for the ice sculptures. No streets are expected to be closed.
    2. Emergency Communications Center Report was presented.
    3. K-9 Unit Report was presented.
    4. Auxiliary Police Activity Report was presented.

 

 

 

D. CITY PROSECUTOR REPORT: No report this month.

E. BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES: The November report was presented. Deputy

Magnant gave a brief update on the car fire incidents that took place in the City earlier this year.
  1. MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER BUSINESS:

1. Action:

Commissioner Kelley moved that the Board refer the matter of overlapping overtime to Chief Russ for further negotiation and possible resolution.

Seconded by Commissioner Devine.

Discussion: Chief Russ noted that City Negotiator Tom Flygare will be involved in the process to resolve this issue. The Board requested that Chief Russ report back to the Commission on this matter.

On a Roll Call Vote: the Board unanimously voted in favor of the motion.

2. City Manager John Bohenko thanked Chairman Mortimer for his service as Chairman of the Commission and wished him well as he moves into his second phase of retirement. Mr. Bohenko also welcomed Jerry Howe to the Commission.

3. Chief Russ noted that we will hold a reception in January to thank Chairman Mortimer for his service as a Commissioner.

4. Chairman Mortimer thanked Chief Russ and Deputy Chief Magnant for their efforts in leading the Police Department to where it is now; the best it has ever been. He also thanked the ranking officers for their service, the patrol officers for their dedication, their attitude and their work ethic, stating that without them the Department would not be where it is now. Chairman Mortimer then thanked Commissioner Kelley and Commissioner Devine for working with him and welcomed Jerry Howe as a new commissioner. Lastly, the Chairman thanked Carol Bryant for her assistance.

Action:

Commissioner Mortimer resigned as Chairman and moved that Jack Kelley be appointed Chairman of the Commission.

Seconded by Commissioner Devine:

On a Roll Call Vote: the Board unanimously voted in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Kelley thanked Commissioner Mortimer for working together for the past two years and wished him well in the future. Chief Russ presented Commissioner Mortimer with an executive planner and the Department presented him with a cake.

Action:

Commissioner Kelley moved that the Board adjourn the December meeting.

Seconded by Commissioner Mortimer.

On a Roll Call Vote: the Board unanimously voted in favor of the motion 1:50 PM.

 

VII. NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, January 8, 2002 @ 1:00 PM - Monthly Meeting

 

Respectfully Submitted By Carol Bryant, Executive Assistant

Reviewed By Commissioner John D. Kelley, Chairman