Board of Police Commissioners - Minutes - 10/10/2023

MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
October 10, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioner R. Brule, Commissioner M. Gelinas, Commissioner T. Sheridan
Commissioner Dimmock via phone
ABSENT: Commissioner C. Gamble
DEPARTMENT: Chief M. Balestracci, LT N. VanOverloop, LT D. Ferland,
LT P. Flanagan, Traffic Officer J. Nickerson, Officer R. DiFusco
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM:
Commissioner Gelinas 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 Dimmock to
accept the minutes from the September 11, 2023 Regular Meeting. Motion passed.
Diane and Tom Harrington of the Kelsey S. Harrington Foundation were recognized for their
positive impact on our community.
Gordon “Smitty” Beals was recognized for his 20 years of service in the Waterford Fire Police.

Chief Balestracci presented an Exceptional Service Award to Detective R. Carroll II and
Investigator T. Zaldivar for their exceptional teamwork on a water rescue.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Correspondence was reviewed.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION REVIEW:
TO Nickerson informed the Commission that he received a four-way stop sign request for the
intersection of Ridgewood Avenue and Birch Street. He said more data is needed before it is
presented to the Commission for review.
CHIEF’S REPORT:
a. K9 Reports for September
September report was received.
b. Youth Reports for September
September report was received.
c. Investigative Services for September
September report was received.
d. Training Report for September
September report was received.
e. Records Report for September
September report was received.
f. Community Service Officer Report for September
September report was received.
g. Patrol Report for September
September report was received.
h. Animal Control Report for September
September report was received.
i. Community Engagement Report for September
September report was received.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. Police Chief Selection Process — Moved to next month.
b. Recording Commission Meetings — Moved to next month.

NEW BUSINESS:
a. Annual Report Draft — There was a brief discussion regarding the Annual Report Draft.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Sheridan and seconded by Commissioner Gelinas to
appoint Commissioner Gelinas to edit and approve the Annual Report on behalf of the BOPC.
Motion passed unanimously.
b. Review of 2024 Meeting Schedule — Schedule was approved by the Commission.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Sheridan and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
enter into Executive Session at 5:20 p.m. Chief Balestracci was included in the Executive
Session. Motion passed unanimously.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. no votes or actions were taken while in
Executive Session.
MOTION: Motion made by Commissioner Sheridan and Seconded by Commissioner
Dimmock to promote Officer Jake Nickerson to the rank of Sergeant effective immediately.
Passed unanimously.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Sheridan and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
enter into Executive Session at 6:03 p.m. Chief Balestracci was included in the Executive
Session. Motion passed unanimously.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 6:45 p.m. no votes or actions were taken while in
Executive Session.
MOTION: Motion made by Commissioner Dimmock and Seconded by Commissioner
Sheridan to extend an offers to candidates Brandon Winakor & Tanner Suplita for the current
vacancies, contingent on the candidates successfully completing the hiring process and
background investigations. Passed unanimously.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Sheridan and Seconded by Commissioner Gelinas to
adjourn the meeting at 6:50 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Mk MW)
Diane E. Driscoll
Recording Secretary