Board of Police Commissioners - Minutes - 03/14/2022

MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
March 14, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 839 3995 1316
PRESENT: 
Chairman M. Gelinas, Commissioner J. Dimmock, T. Sheridan
Vice Chairman, C, Gamble, Secretary, Commissioner R. Brule
ABSENT:
DEPARTMENT: 
Chief M. Balestracci, LT T. Silva, Sgt. T. Gelinas, Training Officer
N. Surdo, Traffic Officer J. Nickerson, CSO A. Reed, Secretary
Jennifer Anderson
LEGAL COUNCIL: Attorney R. Aveena
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
‘PUBLIC INPUT:
‘It was decided that public input would be discussed during the correspondence portion of the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH QUORUM:
Chairman Gelinas called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the General Meeting Room of the
Waterford Police Department. A Quorum was established.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
MOTION: made by Commissioner Gamble and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to accept the minutes
from the February meeting, the motion passed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
a, Officer Fredricks was at a traffic accident and could not attend the meeting to receive the note
of thanks from Chief Rich of Ledyard Police Department.

b. Mr. Ted Olynciw and members of the public discussed the property at 9 Waterview Drive
running an Airbnb. He and members of the public requested no parking signs be posted on the
street and a letter from the police department should be sent to Planning and Zoning stating
that issues have arisen including parking issues, noise issues and trespassing issues and what
regulations can be made for the property. Discussion was made that parking signs cannot be
posted since the road is wide and flat and there are no sight line issues. It was determined that
a letter could be sent. Attorney Aveena will work on the language of the letter to be approved
at next month's meeting. It should be noted that no calls to the police department have ever
been made regarding these issues since they started in August of 2021. It was made clear to all
present that any further issues should precipitate a call to the police department at the time of
the incident utilizing the non-emergency number.
c. Email from Mary Childs will be added to correspondence.
CHIEF’S REPORT
a.
K-9 Reports
February Reports were received.
Investigative Services & Youth Report
February Reports were received.
Training Report
February Report was received
Records Report
February Report was received
CSO Report
February Report was received
Patrol Report
February Report was received
Animal Control] Report February
Report was received
h. 
Community Engagement Officer
February Report received
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION: made by Commissioner Dimmock and seconded by Commissioner Gamble to approve the traffic sign.
a. Jake Nickerson stated that a traffic sign is requested at Race Rock Road and Windward Way for a
blind resident. The sign would be the same type used in other areas of town. Discussion was made
regarding protocol in place for checking if disabled residents move away and the sign is no longer
needed. Commissioner Brule will check with the Emergency Management Director and Senior
Services.
The motion passed unanimously.
b. Chief Balestracci discussed the development of officers regarding training for critical functions
within the police department. Having more than one person trained in an area would alleviate issues such as
absences and coverage. Discussion was made of the many areas where more officers would be trained (at no cost)
to include marine patrol, radios/communication and the police department fleet (vehicles).

c. Three letters of recognition were awarded at the meeting from the Waterford Police Department
Awards Committee. Sgt. Troy Gelinas, Officer Nicholas Genung and Officer Zachary Bushwack were
recognized. The rest of the letters will be awarded at next month's meeting.
d. Commissioner Dimmock would like the process of the Chief of Police selection (going forward)
put on the agenda and brought up at next month's meeting as new business. Chief Balestracci stated that
his promotion ceremony is on March 30, 2022 at the Town Hall at 3:00 p.m.
MOTION: made by Commissioner Sheridan and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to adjourn the
meeting at 6:05 p.m. Passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Ge er Aocerson