05/09/2007
East Windsor police chief's 10-year contract questioned
By:Kory Loucks , Journal Inquirer
EAST WINDSOR - The Police Department was once again the focus of contention and scrutiny Tuesday, this time at the Board of Selectmen's meeting.
John Mannette, a Finance Board alternate, spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, identifying himself as a former Police Commission member and a taxpayer.
Mannette expressed concern about contracts for Police Chief Edward J. DeMarco Jr., and newly hired Capt. Roger Hart, who started April 30.
Mannette questioned the need for employment agreements at all, but was particularly concerned with the 10-year term of DeMarco's contract and the eight-year term of Hart's contract, both of which will expire in 2015.
"These agreements carry significant long-term financial obligations with them," Mannette said, reading from his written statement. "Salaries and fringe benefits will exceed $2 million through 2015."
Mannette questioned whether the Police Commission has the authority to enter into such contracts and whether public hearings should have been held.
"I question the legality of these agreements," Mannette said, adding that when he served on the Police Commission only the first selectmen had the authority to sign off on employment contracts.
First Selectman Edward J. Filipone responded that based on a conversation with the town's attorney, Stephen T. Penny, "I am 99 percent sure that the Police Commission has that authority" to approve employee contracts. "I got the impression it is in their sole power," he said.
The department has been the subject of much attention during budget talks. The Finance Board cut one officer's position from the budget, generating strong comments from advocates and opponents.
Vacancies filled
The selectmen on Tuesday filled a vacancy on the Police Commission that was created when Mark Simmons, a Republican, was named to fill the vacancy created on the Board of Selectmen when Filipone, also a Republican, became first selectman.
According to the town charter and state law, the vacancies had to be filled by someone from the same political party as the one leaving.
Two candidates were nominated at the Republican Town Committee meeting to fill the Police Commission vacancy. The committee nominated Steven D. Knibloe, while Edward K. Endee was nominated from the floor. Both Knibloe and Endee are Republicans.
At the selectmen's meeting, Selectman Thomas J. Sinsigallo Jr., a Democrat, nominated Endee, seconded by Selectman Gilbert R. Hayes, also a Democrat.
Knibloe was nominated by Selectman Kenneth C. Crouch and was seconded by Simmons, both Republicans.
Sinsigallo spoke highly of Endee's long experience with the Hartford Fire Department and his having extensive experience in purchasing, as well as being former fire chief at the Poquonock section of Windsor.
Simmons said he has had a long professional experience with Endee and said he was highly qualified; however, Simmons said: "I spoke with him at the Republican Town Committee and he said he was lukewarm" about his nomination.
In the end Knibloe was approved, 3-0, with Sinsigallo and Hayes abstaining.
Endee lost the vote to a tie, 2-2, with Sinsigallo and Hayes voting for, and Simmons and Crouch against Endee.
After the meeting Knibloe said that he felt good about being named to serve on the Police Commission.
"It will be good to get back and try to help correct problems," Knibloe said.
Knibloe, a retired East Windsor police lieutenant, had served on the Police Commission for 10 years, with more than half that time as chairman. He left the commission about 10 years ago.
Overtime approved
In other action, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved DeMarco's request for line-item transfers within the Police Department's budget to balance accounts - totaling $24,200, with $10,600 to go into the fixed overtime account, $9,800 to go into the variable overtime account, and $3,800 to go into the vehicle maintenance.
The board recommended the Finance Board use funds from the Police Department's private duty funds account, or any other account the Finance Board deems appropriate.
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