Board of Police Commissioners - Minutes - 11/13/2023

MINUTES (*Revised)
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
November 13, 2023 at 5:00:p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioner C. Gamble, Commissioner R. Brule, Commissioner M. Gelinas,
Commissioner T. Sheridan, Commissioner Dimmock
DEPARTMENT: — Chief M. Balestracci, LT N. VanOverloop, LT D. Ferland,
LT P. Flanagan, Sgt. J. Nickerson, Traffic Officer Mark Devine
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM:
Commissioner Gamble called the meeting to order at 5:00p.m. in the General Meeting Room of
the Waterford Police Department. A Quorum was established.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
PUBLIC INPUT:
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Sheridan and seconded by Commissioner Gelinas to accept
the minutes from the October 10, 2023 Regular Meeting. Motion passed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Correspondence was reviewed.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and Seconded by Commissioner Sheridan to
move Police Chief Selection Process to the top of the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
Rick Wells, Chairperson of the Personnel Review Board and Kristi Kelly, Town Labor Attorney
answered questions from Commission members regarding changes made to the Chief of Police
BOPC MINUTES 11/13/2023
*Revised to correct date from October 10, 2023 to November 13, 2023.

job description. Discussion regarding sections of the Town Charter and Town Ordinances
related to supervision of the Police Chief ensued.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and Seconded by Commissioner Sheridan to
approve the Chief of Police job description as presented. No vote was taken.
Commissioner Gelinas withdrew the motion pending additional information.
Topic was tabled till the next BOPC meeting.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION REVIEW:
Sgt Nickerson discussed details related to a stop sign request at Ridgewood Avenue/Birch Street
from a resident of Ridgewood Avenue. He specifically presented details related to line of sight
issues, the number of accidents at this intersection and the proximity of other stop signs in the
area. Summer beach traffic traveling at speeds well above the speed limit was discussed.
Commissioner Dimmock suggested a speed study be done in the summer during high traffic
times. Traffic Officer Devine will follow up in the summer.
A resident of Ridgewood Avenue asked to speak on this topic. He complained about high speeds
and out of town beach traffic in his residential neighborhood. He’s concerned about safety and
said it’s bad and getting worse for residents in that area. Chief Balestracci said speed issues
should be addressed now.
Sgt Nickerson presented the Niantic River Road sign and painting request submitted by
Waterford Ambulance.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Sheridan and Seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
approve the Niantic River Road Sign/Painting Request as presented. Motion passed
unanimously.
CHIEF’S REPORT:
a. K9 Reports for October
October report was received.
b. Youth Reports for October
October report was received.
c. Investigative Services for October
October report was received.
d. Training Report for October
October report was received.

e. Records Report for October
October report was received.
f. Community Service Officer Report for October
October report was received.
g. Patrol Report for October
October report was received.
h. Animal Control Report for October
October report was received.
i. Community Engagement Report for October
October report was received.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. Police Chief Selection Process — Moved to the top of the agenda.
b. Recording Commission Meetings — Chief Balestracci updated the Commission on the
progress of the project. No completion date has been set at this time.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chief Balestracci updated the Commission on the status of the FY24/25 budget preparation and
deadlines.
Chief discussed the pressure of police work on officers and shared an article on officer wellness.
He presented Calmpaks to the commissioners and explained that he had presented one to each of
the staff at the PD to help with stress, anxiety and sleep. He talked about the importance of
reaching all officers to promote officer wellness.
Commissioner Dimmock mentioned that they will have to appoint a new member to the
Retirement Commission at the December meeting.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and Seconded by Commissioner Gelinas to
adjourn the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Mant ‘e Hrincylll
Diane E. Driscoll
Recording Secretary