NEWINGTON POLICE COMMISSION
MINUTES

There was a meeting of the Newington Police Commissioners on Tuesday, May 2, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at the police department.

PRESENT:  Commissioner Steven Prefontaine, Commissioner Brenda Blonigan, Commissioner F. Jackson Hoyt, Chief Michael Bilodeau, Sgt. Brandon Smart and Diana St. Laurent.

I
CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Prefontaine called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.

II
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

On a MOTION by Commissioner Hoyt and seconded by Commissioner Blonigan, the Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the minutes from the April 3, 2018 meeting as written.

There were no other minutes.

III
POLICE COMMISSION INFORMATION

Staff Update – The Chief said that Officer Sobel graduated from the NHPS&TC on April 30, 2018 and he is currently in field training with Sgt. Smart for approximately four weeks. The Chief said that Officer Gregor is now attending the full-time academy. The Chief said that the part-time officers have been told that they are required to work a minimum of 8 hours per month on regular patrol. This will help with the overtime budget.

Hiring Process – The Chief said that he has advertised the full-time opening on Indeed.com and Policeap.com. The Chief said the hiring process has been extended to May 20, 2018 and that he currently has six applicants to consider. The Chief said he is hoping to hire a certified officer but also one who will fit best in the department.

Other Police Commission Business –

               The Commissioners reviewed and initialed the April purchase order file.

Budget Review – The Commissioners reviewed the 2018 budget print out. The Chief                            said that he is keeping a close watch on the overtime and that once we get fully staffed, it                               will help keep the overtime expenditure down.

IV
OLD BUSINESS

None at this time.

V
NEW BUSINESS

Drug Take Back – The Chief said that several town residents came to turn in prescription drugs on Saturday for the “Drug Take Back Day.”

The Chief said that there will be a training seminar on May 21, 2018 at the Newington Town Hall on “Internet Crime Against Children”.

Open House – The Chief said that there will be an open house at the police department in conjunction with the fire department’s pancake breakfast on June 9, 2018.

VI
NON-PUBLIC SESSION

RSA 91-A:3 II(c) PERSONNEL MATTER – Nothing scheduled.

VII
NEXT MEETING DATE/TIME/LOCATION

The next Commission meeting is scheduled for June 5, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at the police department.

VIII
ADJOURNMENT

On a MOTION by Commissioner Blonigen and seconded by Commissioner Hoyt, the Commissioners voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 4:25 p.m.
           For Commissioner Brenda Blonigen, Secretary
by Diana St. Laurent

                                                         NEWINGTON POLICE COMMISSION
                                                                                    MEETING
There was a meeting of the Newington Police Commissioners on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. the police department.

PRESENT:  Commissioner Steven Prefontaine, Commissioner Brenda Blonigen, Commissioner F. Jackson Hoyt, Chief Michael Bilodeau and Diana St. Laurent.

I
CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Prefontaine called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m.

II
MINUTES OF PREVIOUIS MEETINGS

On a MOTION by Commissioner Hoyt and seconded by Commissioner Blonigen, the Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the May 2, 2018 meeting as written.

There were no other minutes.

III
POLICE COMMISSION INFORMATION

1. Staff Update –

            The Commissioners met with Lt. Scott Blaisdell from Rye PD to consider hiring him on a part-time basis to fill the position left vacant by the hiring of Jessica Gregor as a full-time officer. Lt. Blaisdell has worked for the town previously. On a MOTION by Commissioner Hoyt and seconded by Commissioner Blonigen, the Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Lt. Blaisdell as a part-time officer.

            The Chief recommended that the Commissioners consider promoting Officer Sean O’Reilly to the position of Master Patrolman. The Chief said that Officer O’Reilly does a good job, he’s dedicated, takes on additional tasks, is always willing to help out and he had worked for Middleton Police Department for 15 years before coming to Newington. After a brief discussion, the Commissioners made the following motion: On a MOTION by Commissioner Blonigen and seconded by Commissioner Hoyt, the Commissioners voted unanimously to promote Officer Sean O’Reilly to the position of Master Patrolman, effective June 5, 2018.

The Chief said that Officer Adin Sobel has completed field training and is filling in the vacant shift which will help keep the overtime budget down. The Chief said Officer Sobel did an excellent job in taking over Special Olympics this year and he raised over $600 for the event.

The Chief said that Officer Gordon has been doing a good job and has been taken off “probation” status effective June 1, 2018. The Commissioners signed the full-time appointment form.

1. Other Police Commission Business –

The Chief said that accreditation is moving forward.

The Chief said that Sgt. Harland has been updating the evidence room and he is waiting for the report from Captain Sullivan.

The Commissioners reviewed the purchase order file.

The Commissioners reviewed the current 2018 budget.

The Chief told the Commissioners that he opened an “Indeed.com” account to advertise the vacant position and received over 50 applicants. The Chief said that there will be approximately 15 applicants taking the PT test on June 16 at 9:00 a.m. The Chief said he will narrow down the number of applicants to 3 for the Commissioners to interview.

IV
OLD BUSINESS

1. Open House – The Chief said the open house will be this Saturday, June 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Chief said that the NH State Police K-9 Unit will be here, Greenland-Stratham’s motorcycle unit, the Bearcat from the Seacoast Sert Team and the Command Post. The Chief said they are hoping to get the Coast Guard Helicopter to land at the school.
2. The Chief said he purchased some stickers and coloring books for the open house.

V
NEW BUSINESS

The Chief said the Board of Selectmen requested the April 3, 2018 minutes be amended. After a short discussion, the Commissioners said the minutes could not be amended.

VI
NON-PUBLIC SESSION

RSA 91-A:3 II(c) PERSONNEL MATTER – Nothing scheduled.

VII
NEXT MEETING DATE/TIME/LOCATION

The next Commission meeting is scheduled for August 7, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at the police department. There is NO meeting in the month of July.

VIII
ADJOURNMENT

On a MOTION by Commissioner Hoyt and seconded by Commissioner Blonigen, the Commissioners voted unanimously to adjourn at 4:40 p.m.

   For Brenda Blonigen, Secretary

by Diana St. Laurent