Board of Police Commissioners - Minutes - 01/12/2026

MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
January 12, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioner R. Brule, Commissioner M. Gelinas, Commissioner C.
Gamble, Commissioner J. Dimmock, Bill Sheehan, Board of Finance
Liaison
ABSENT: Commissioner T. Sheridan
DEPARTMENT: Chief M. Balestracci, LT N. VanOverloop, LT D. Ferland,
LT P. Flanagan, Traffic Officer M. Devine
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM:
Commissioner Gelinas called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium. A
Quorum was established.
PUBLIC INPUT:
Bill Sheehan introduced himself to the Commission and summarized his understanding of his
duties as a Board of Finance Liaison.
Helen Kwasniewski presented several concerns. She requested an increased police presence in
Quaker Hill to monitor speeding. She also expressed concern about college students running in
the roadway, and noted that LED headlights and some residential lighting are blinding at night.
Additionally, she raised concerns about limited sight lines at the intersection of Chapman and
Vauxhall Street.

Chief Balestracci announced that LT. Dave Ferland would fill his role at the meeting as part of
cross-training as the Chief prepares for his retirement.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gamble and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
accept the December 8, 2025 Regular Meeting minutes. Motion passed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Correspondence was reviewed.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION REVIEW:
Traffic Report was received.
CHIEF’S REPORT:
a. K9 Reports for December
December report was received.
b. Youth Reports for December
December report was received.
c. Investigative Services for December
December report was received.
d. Training Report for December
December report was received.
e. Support Services Report for December
December report was received.
f. Patrol Report for December
December report was received.
g. Animal Control Report for December
December report was received.
h. Community Engagement Report for December
December report was received.

OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion of a standing order for BOPC approval of out-of-series-budget transfers.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and seconded by Commissioner Gamble to
authorize a standing order approving out-of-series budget transfers moving forward, with the
understanding that the Commission is advised of the transfers. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Brule welcomed Bill Sheehan. He stated that he will continue to support the
Police Department’s operating budget and capital improvement (CIP) requests, including the
locker room project. He also expressed appreciation for the leadership of Chief Balestracci and
the Lieutenants.
Chief Balestracci responded by expressing his appreciation for Commissioner Brule’s support
and emphasized the critical importance of the locker room project as the department continues to
hire more female officers. He also noted the impact the lower fuel rate will have on the Police
Department’s FY27 budget request.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and Seconded by Commissioner Gamble to
adjourn the meeting at 5:29 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
oi ‘s al!
Diane E. Driscoll
Recording Secretary