The next meeting where the Police Commission is expected to vote on eliminating the Deputy Chief's position had yet to be set. But when the time and place is determined, Town Attorney John Gesmonde expects the commission will give the public proper notice by placing the item on its agenda, according to the laws of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

That didn't happen last week when, at a July 14 special meeting, the Police Commission went into executive session, came back out, then voted to eliminate the position currently held by Deputy Chief Michael Doody. The cut's in response to a $110,000 budget reduction which hit the department July 1, with the new 2011-2012 fiscal year. Doody is also North Branford's elected Deputy Mayor.

Gesmonde said he wasn't asked to attend the July 14 meeting and wasn't aware it was occurring. The Sound wasn't at the meeting. Gesmonde learned of the the commission's July 14 vote from Mayor Anthony Candelora later that day. Gesmonde said he then called Commission Chairman Dan Troiano to tell him the vote wasn't valid.

"This was a special meeting as opposed to a regular meeting. Under the Freedom of Information Act, you cannot amend the agenda of a special meeting. In this case, the agenda, as I understand it, just stated the police commission would open the meeting, go into executive session, and come out and close the meeting. But they didn't do that. They came out and voted to eliminate the position," said Gesmonde.

Faced with the $110,000 budget cut, the commission's been reviewing issues such as using the department's personnel most efficiently, while still addressing understaffing and vehicle needs. On July 14, the solution was rendered: cutting the $83,000 Deputy Chief spot. That vote will need to be made again to formally approve the position reduction.

Deputy Chief Doody, a 34-year force veteran, was reportedly out of state last week. Gesmonde said since he also works with Doody as Deputy Mayor, he won't counsel the commission further on the matter, if requested. Outside counsel would be sought, if needed. Gesmonde won't be preparing nor reviewing the agenda for the next commission meeting involving a proper vote.