On the agenda: Bristol, CT Board of Police Commissioners — license plate reader (Aug 18)

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 18, 2026, AT 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRESENT:
Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, Chairperson
Commissioner Rory Ghio - via Zoom
Commissioner Dean Kilbourne
Commissioner Paul Lemieux
Commissioner Terry Lewis
Council Member Sue Tyler
Board of Finance Liaison, Jon Mace

ABSENT:
Commissioner Gloria Sapp Smith

1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Zoppo-Sassu called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
2. AWARDS
Officers McNally, Genovese, and Gotowala received the Life Saving Award regarding an incident on
June 21, 2026. Officer McNally was also awarded Officer of the Month for July, 2026.
Detective Verillo, Officers Genovese, Bazarewsky, Giannini, and Southington Detective Thomson were
awarded the Silver Star Award.
3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Gabby Carrano, 70 Seneca Road, spoke in opposition to license plate readers, red light cameras, and
speed cameras.
Mary Ann Sirois, 362 Shrub Road, spoke in opposition to the use of automated traffic enforcement
safety devices.
Duane Mack, 67 Stearns Street, spoke regarding the need for crosswalk signals through the City.
Shelley Mastroianni, 120 Sixth Street, spoke in opposition to the use of automated traffic enforcement
safety devices.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Council Member Tyler moved to APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE JULY 21, 2026, REGULAR
POLICE BOARD, seconded by Commissioner Lemieux.
VOTE: UNANIMOUSLY PASSED
5. APPROVAL OF VARIOUS MONTHLY REPORTS
Commissioner Kilbourne moved to APPROVE MONTHLY REPORTS AND PLACE ON FILE,
seconded by Commissioner Ghio.
VOTE: UNANIMOUSLY PASSED

6. CORRESPONDENCE
None
7. COMMITTEE MINUTES
None
8. OLD BUSINESS
a. Chief Morello
i. LPR Transparency Portal
Chief Morello reviewed the Flock transparency portal, which is located on the City of Bristol Police
Department’s website under Useful Resources: Bristol CT PD Transparency Portal.
b. Police Commissioners
i. Response from Corporation Counsel regarding the ordinance authorizing the use of automated traffic
enforcement safety devices.
Commissioner Kilbourne made a motion TO PLACE ON FILE THE RESPONSE FROM
CORPORATION COUNSEL REGARDING THE ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE USE OF
AUTOMATED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SAFETY DEVICES, seconded by Commissioner Lewis.
VOTE: UNANIMOUSLY PASSED
ii. Report as to the disposition of complaint filed against the Chief and Deputy Chief.
Mayor Zoppo Sassu responded that the summaries have been distributed to the Police Commission. The
outcome was no cause found for discipline or any action to be taken against the Chief or Deputy Chief.
Some recommendations were made regarding processes and procedures, and most of those changes have
already been implemented.
Commissioner Kilbourne made a motion TO PLACE ON FILE, seconded by Commissioner Lewis.
VOTE: UNANIMOUSLY PASSED
Council member Tyler discussed the ordinance authorizing the use of automated traffic enforcement
safety devices.
Council member Tyler made a motion to REFER BACK TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE TO
REMOVE ANY REFERENCE TO SPEED CAMERAS, INCLUDING DEFINITIONS THAT
INCLUDE SPEED CAMERAS, seconded by Commissioner Lemieux.
A discussion was held regarding the motion. Mayor Zoppo Sassu called for a roll call vote on whether
to refer this back to the Ordinance Committee.
Commissioner Kilbourne - no
Commissioner Lemieux - yes
Council Member Tyler - yes
Commissioner Lewis - yes
Commissioner Ghio - yes
Chairperson Mayor Zoppo Sassu – no
VOTE: PASSED YES – 4

NO – 2

9. NEW BUSINESS
a. Chief Morello
i. Chief’s Report
Chief Morello reviewed the monthly Chief’s report.
ii. Board of Finance Request
Commissioner Ghio moved to APPROVE THE CARRYOVER OF $34,805, Seconded by
Commissioner Kilbourne.
VOTE: UNANIMOUSLY PASSED
b. Police Commissioners
i. Bristol Vision Zero Initiative
Mayor Zoppo Sassu discussed the Bristol Vision Zero Initiative with the Board.
Mayor Zoppo Sassu asked if there were any other questions or concerns. Chief Morello responded with
a question to Council Member Tyler about a post she made on Facebook. Council Member Tyler
responded that it was a sarcastic response to a sarcastic comment.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Lemieux moved to ADJOURN, Seconded by Council Member Tyler.
VOTE: UNANIMOUSLY PASSED
The regular meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners called for the 18th day of August, 2026, was
HEREBY ADJOURNED AT 6:54 p.m.

Lisa Ziogas
Recording Secretary