1975-11-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A special mee{ing with the public concerning the recent decision to abolish the position of Chief of Police was held on Nov. 18, 1975 at 7:00 P.M. in the American Legion Hall. Present: Mayor Synnett, Tr. Dolan, Tr. DiBerto, Tr. Bain, Tr. Silvestri, Tr. Belding, Tr. Short and Atty. Lyons Mayor Synnett reperted the only subject to be discussed would be abolishing the position of Chief of Police. Meeting moved to the Junior High School due to the large attendance. He stated the Police Chief and Village had been dealt an unfair blow'in abolishing this position. He stated he was unable tO attend the last regular Board meeting due to illness, but did receive a call from Tr. .Dolan. Mayor Synnett reported Mr. Berberich had good qualifications and the crime rate was up. He stated he received no bad calls about Mr. Berberich and ~f anyone was at fault, it was the Board. Mayor $y~nett stated he received letter from Civil Service that no one could head the Police Dept. as position was abolishedl He reported equipment had to be purchased as same being used was obsolete. Mayor Synnet~ reported public safety should be our first priority and he was ashamed of the action taken. Tr. Dolan reported his position was the same as the action taken a~ the 'last regular meeting. Tr. Belding reported his position remained the same as as that taken at the last official meeting. Tr. DiBerto read a prepared statement denouncing Board's actiofl,~ cop~s of which will be attached to the minutes of this meeting. Tr. Bain reported his position remaified the same. Tr. Silvestri reported he was epposed to the action taken by the Board. Mr. Berberich addressed meeting stating he was happy with Police work in Poughkeepsie. Mr. Berberlch stated he was coDtacted by Capt. Costa ~ yrs. ago to run the department but was no way interested. He reported he lent a lot of material to the Police Dept. for their open house in 1974. Hr. Berberich stated there was a lot of talk when Capt. Costa retired but he wanted no part of it. He reported that he didn't solicit the job and was asked by Mayor Synmett and Trustees Diberto and Dolan to be interviewed. When asked what he wanted~ he stated a class A Police D~pt. He stated men needed training and since he has been Chief, officers have attende~ 14 schools at no cost to the Village. Mr. Berberich stated he submitted a budget but was not allewed to e~plain same as he was told this was Village policy. He stated that he told Tr. Dolan at the budge~ hearing in April t~at the department would run into a deflci% at the end of the year.