Board of Police Commissioners - Minutes - 08/14/2023

MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
August 14, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioner C. Gamble, Commissioner R. Brule, Commissioner M. Gelinas,
Commissioner Dimmock
ABSENT: Commissioner T. Sheridan
DEPARTMENT: — Chief M. Balestracci, LT VanOverloop, LT Ferland, Traffic Officer J.
Nickerson
LEGAL COUNCIL: Attorney R. Avena, Labor Attorney K. Kelly
HR Director Christine Walters was also present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
PUBLIC INPUT:
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.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and seconded by Commissioner Gelinas to
accept the minutes from the July 17, 2023 Regular Meeting. Motion passed.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Correspondence regarding traffic backup on Cross Road was reviewed. Traffic Officer
Nickerson has contacted the State about possibly changing the timing of the traffic signal to
allow better traffic flow from Cross Road. Discussion ensued. Commissioner Brule asked about
possibly changing it only during heavy traffic times. T.O. Nickerson said that the State has the
ability to do that and that he has asked the State to look at the entire intersection. Commissioner
Gelinas requested that this item stay on the agenda for the next meeting.
Daversa Recognition — Chief Balestracci recognized Paul Daversa to thank him for the positive
impact he and his business, Daversa Partners, has had on our community. Mr. Daversa said it’s a
joy to contribute to the Police Department and he plans to challenge the Police Department to a
Pickleball game.
Chief Balestracci requested that the Police Chief Selection Process under Old Business be moved
up in the Agenda.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Brule and Seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to move
discussion of Chief of Police Selection Process up from Old Business in the agenda. Motion
passed unanimously.
Commissioner Dimmock cited ordinances to prove that the Chief is required to report only to the
BOPC. He expressed concerns regarding the changes made by the PRB requiring the Chief to
report to the First Selectman as well as the BOPC, which includes the First Selectman.
Commissioner Dimmock said that creates a conflict by giving the First Selectman double power.
Discussion ensued. Attorney Avena said the Town Charter, Ordinances and State Statutes all
have to be satisfied and he wants to review all concerns at once so that everyone is on the same
page.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION REVIEW:
T.O. Nickerson gave a brief overview of things he’s been working on including the Waterford
Day parade and stop signs. The Chief and First Selectman Brule acknowledged T.O.
Nickerson’s exceptional work preparing for the parade. T.O. Nickerson reported that the new
stop signs to be installed at Vauxhall Street & Douglas Lane will be in place and operational on
Monday, August 21, 2023.
CHIEE’S REPORT:
a. K9 Reports for July
July report was received.
b. Youth Reports for July
July report was received.

c. Investigative Services for July
July report was received.
d. Training Report for July
July report was received.
e. Records Report for July
July report was received.
f. Community Service Officer Report for July
July report was received.
g. Patrol Report for July
July report was received.
h. Animal Control Report for July
July report was received.
i. Community Engagement Report for July
July report was received.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. Police Chief Selection Process — Discussed before Traffic Commission Review.
b. Four way stop at Douglas and Vauxhall — Previously discussed during the Traffic
Commission Review. Chief told the Commission that he met with an RTM member
regarding all the work that went into the decision. He said it was a very positive meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. ATV/Dirt Bike Ordinance — General discussion of New London’s ordinance. Chief
suggested drafting an ordinance specific to Waterford. Commissioner Brule asked if
COG should be included since this is a growing problem in surrounding towns.
BOPC voted to support a letter to the RTM to place item in committee.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and Seconded by Commissioner Gelinas to send
letter to RTM for review. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Dimmock requested that a discussion of recording Commission Meetings be on
the next BOPC agenda.

MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and seconded by Commissioner Gelinas to enter
into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues at 5:45p.m. Chief Balestracci was included in
the Executive Session. Motion passed unanimously.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 6:21p.m. no votes or actions were taken while in
Executive Session.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and Seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
adjourn the meeting at 6:22 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Mr nncpll
Diane Driscoll
Recording Secretary