Police Department Looks For Approval of Nearly $30,000 Software

The new Police Chief, Kevin Halloran was in attendance at last night's Board of Selectman Meeting to ask for the acceptance of a near $30,000 bid for software. Later in the meeting, Wayne Cooke's farm tax status was again on the table but this time with a new twist; check back tomorrow for the story.

• and Deputy Chief Tom Fowler successfully made their case at Wednesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting for averting the usual bid process. On the recommendation of the law-enforcement officials, the board agreed to allow the department to accept a sole bid from California-based TeleStaff for scheduling software. “It will help us become more efficient in the scheduling process,” creating an online, automated procedure that will assist officers and free up supervisors, said Fowler. Time sheets, as well as a number of reports, will be created online. The current system, which is operated manually, has become “archaic” and is limiting to the department, added Halloran. The software will cost $28,150 to install and the cost of maintenance is estimated at between $2,500 and $3,000 annually. Several other municipalities and organizations in Connecticut are either using or considering acquiring the same software, said Fowler. “This technology is unique to them [Telestaff] and they are the sole source provider,” he said.
•  The board approved the appointment of Anita Visentin-Perito to fill a vacancy on the . “I know Anita, and she’ll do a good job, I think,” said Third Selectman John Opie. The position became open when former commission member Phyliss Batrow’s term expired Dec. 31, 2011.
• Several official resignations also were accepted. They include that of Joseph Tartaglione, an Unaffiliated member of the Parker Memorial Park Commission. Although Tartaglione’s five-year term doesn’t expire until 2015 he and his wife will be moving out of state. In his letter of resignation, he said he “enjoyed being a part” of town operations. Other resignations accepted by the board Wednesday include those of Craig Fuchs from the Economic Development Commission and Jeanne Hyatt, who is leaving her post as a longtime member of Academy on the Green.