November 29th 2006.

Draft Minutes – subject to revision

VILLAGE OF BREWSTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees of the Village of Brewster held a Special Meeting on 29 November 2006 at Village Hall, 208 Main Street, Brewster, New York.  The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Mayor John Degnan.  Present were Mayor John Degnan,  Deputy Mayor and Trustee James Schoenig, Trustees William Banks, Yoshihiko Ito, and Terri Stockburger, Village Counsel Gary Kropkowski, Treasurer Mike Santos, and Clerk Peter Hansen.  There were approximately 10-15 members of the general public in the audience.

Pledge to flag.

Motion to convene the Special Meeting made by Mayor Degnan, seconded by Trustee Schoenig, and passed by unanimous consent.

Public Comment.
None.

Mayor Degnan presented the following plan to reconstitute the Village of Brewster Police Department. 

Discussion.  The State of New York Department of Criminal Justice will conduct the needs assessment for the department.  Included will be training, procedures, policies, and other pertinent factors to certify the Brewster Police Department.  Each of the officers are required to have specific training.  In light of that fact the most of the officers in the department are current or past police officers who have and do maintain certifications.  Two of our Constables will be joining the force as Police Officers and will attend Westchester Police Academy to gain certification.  In the meantime they will be on the Police Force as cadets.   There is a one year window to complete the training.

Firearms will not be carried at present but may be revisited in the future as we expect the Police Department to eventually enforce vehicular and traffic law.  In order to enforce such law the officers must be armed.

The Constable Car will be converted to Brewster Police Department.  A retaining cage will be installed to transfer prisoners.  The Putnam County Sherriff will process all arrests and confinement made by Brewster Police Department.  A holding cell is being contemplated at the 50 Main Street facility and will be decided on during the process of planning and renovation which will proceed shortly.

The major factors in deciding to reconstitute the Brewster Police Department are;

• The Constables have been warmly received, gained the trust, and made a positive difference in downtown Brewster;
• The Brewster Police Department will be accountable to the Village Mayor and Trustees.  This will help to ensure that the Police and the Government are working together toward common goals. 

The Mayor commented that the Police Department will now be eligible for federal and state grants which along with vehicular and traffic law enforcement within village limits will help to offset the additional costs related to ongoing certification and training.

December 7th 6:30pm
at Village Hall the Brewster Police Department will host a Community Affairs session to Meet the Officers and invites the public in for discussion.  Chief Alex Mancone will facilitate this meeting.

See final Resolution below.

On a motion by Mayor Degnan and seconded by Trustee ____ the Board voted to adjourn.

Ayes____ Nays____ Abstain____ Absent____

Special Meeting
Mayor Degnan motioned and Mr. Banks seconded for a Special Meeting December 3rd 2006 at 3PM to discuss some unfinished business prior to the annually mandated Organizational Meeting.  The primary points of discussion will be:
Metro-North Maintenance Agreement
Water Rates
50 Main Street
And other business as arises
Passed unanimously

Public Comment
Caroling and Christmas event at Museum for ornament creation, caroling to train station and back to Walter Brewster House for refreshments.

Denis Castelli noted that the WBH is freshly painted thanks to Willis Stephens Jr. support. 

Adjourn

Peter B. Hansen
Clerk

Draft Minutes – subject to revision