Board of Police Commissioners - Minutes - 05/08/2023

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MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
May 8, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioner Brule, Chairperson T. Sheridan, Commissioner M. Gelinas,
Commissioner C. Gamble, Commissioner J. Dimmock via phone at 5:05pm
DEPARTMENT: Chief M. Balestracci, LT T. Silva, LT N. VanOverloop, Sgt T. Gelinas
Traffic Officer J. Nickerson, Training Officer N. Surdo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
PUBLIC INPUT:
Resident Bill O’Donnell introduced himself to the Commission.
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM:
Commissioner Sheridan 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 Gelinas and seconded by Commissioner Gamble to accept
the minutes from the April 10, 2023 Regular Meeting. Motion passed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Correspondence was reviewed.

TRAFFIC COMMISSION REVIEW:
Traffic Officer Nickerson presented the sign proposal for North Phillips Street.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and Seconded by Commissioner Gamble to
approve the sign proposal for North Phillips Street. Motion passed unanimously.
Traffic Officer Nickerson presented the sign proposal for Coolidge Court.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and Seconded by Commissioner Gamble to
approve the sign proposal for Coolidge Court. Motion passed unanimously.
Traffic Officer Nickerson presented the sign proposal for Burlake Road.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and Seconded by Commissioner Gamble to
approve the sign proposal for Burlake Road. Motion passed unanimously.
CHIEF’S REPORT:
a.
K9 Reports for April
April report was received.
Youth Reports for April
April report was received.
Investigative Services for April
April report was received.
Training Report for April
April report was received.
Records Report for April
April report was received.
Community Service Officer Report for April
April report was received.
Patrol Report for April
April report was received.
Animal Control Report for April
April report was received.
Community Engagement Report for April
April report was received.

OLD BUSINESS:
a. Discussion of the current draft of the Police Chief Selection Process Policy.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and Seconded by Commissioner Gamble to
approve the current draft of the policy contingent on final review of Human Resources and the
town labor attorney. Motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. Discussion of the draft of the letter to the First Selectman requesting an increase to the
Police Department by three sworn officers. Commissioner Gelinas was concerned that
the proposed Data Center and the Exit 74 construction project, neither of which were
mentioned in the letter, should be included. Commissioner Dimmock suggested that
more than three additional officers were needed due to the growth of the Town.
Commissioner Sheridan agreed with the need for more officers but did not agree that
three should be requested at one time. Commissioner Sheridan suggested adding one
additional officer a year for three years. Discussion ensued. Chief said it’s important to
note that Sgt Gelinas is applying for a grant to help with funding to deal with long
standing challenges and preparing for the future, specifically traffic and school safety.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gamble and Seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
move the letter as is to the Board of Selectman and the Personnel Review Board. Motion passed
4-1 with Commissioner Sheridan voting against it as he feels it should be a three-year plan.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Gelinas and Seconded by Commissioner Gamble to adjourn
the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane Driscoll
Recording Secretary