Board of Aldermen 1-02-2020 Page 4
James Tollner, Nashua Police Commissioner
Jim Tollner,_1Sequoia Circle. I'll just take about two minutes. | would like to start by thanking all of you for
being here tonight to vote on this contract and those of you that are on the phone. This contract consists of
16 FDE’s and it is two fiscal years in arears, having expired in July 2018. The first proposal was vetoed last
year around this time.
| will be brief as the Chief will go over what he has been asked to do and the changes that took place
during these lengthy negotiations, so | will not duplicate his points. | would like to clarify a few comments
that are out there. The Police Commission followed the required process that has been used by the City
Administration in previous Police Department Commissions, so over the last 20 years in negotiating and
communicating these contracts. During this process Corporation Counsel was involved; it was sent to
Finance to cost out, to Finance & Administrative Service processed this information with the Administration.
We have never, never circumvented the process regarding this particular or any other contract during the
numerous discussions and meetings that we have had with staff and the Mayor’s Office over the last 18
months.
| think we all would agree that the rising cost of healthcare has been a constant. It was an issue when |
was an Alderman 14 years ago; it is not going to change. But the one thing | want you to Know is that the
Commissioners are tax payers as well and we share the same concern that the Board of Aldermen does
and the Mayor. It is also our responsibility like each of you around this horseshoe as the Mayor has stated
and | quote, “To protect the citizens of Nashua by being mindful and appreciative of the outstanding service
that all of the Nashua Police Department provides to our great City”.
To be clear, the Commission Chairs and concurs with the Mayor’s comments regarding future budget
concerns, stating such at the Police Commissioner's Meeting on December 16" and again via voicemail on
December 19". | communicated to the Mayor that he had the commitment of the Commissioners and the
PD that we will support his efforts and manage this, finding a balance moving forward. We welcome the
opportunity to participate in future discussions, working in unison with the Mayor's Office, the Board of
Aldermen and the Unions in addressing the challenges that lay ahead. And the new contracts, new
contracts that will come before.
In closing, at the last Board of Aldermen Meeting you voted 15 nothing to approve both of these Police
Contracts. You also voted 15 nothing to approve three bonding projects. Nothing has changed since that
vote regarding either the bonding projects or the Police Contracts. We would respectfully request that you
move forward and reconfirm your vote again, that you vote again supporting these contracts. Thank you
very much.
Michael Carignan, Chief of Police
Good Evening, my name is Michael Carignan, spelled C-A-R-I-G-N-A-N, | am the Chief of the Police for the
Nashua Police Department. First of all I’d like to thank you for coming tonight, | Know it has been a very
busy Holiday Season and this is a special meeting, not on your agendas for normal. | really appreciate you
taking the time to come, to listen and consider the issue.
As most of you know, this is my sixth time in front of you regarding this particular contract. | will be brief. |
believe you all know me and know that | also believe that as issues arise, | try to discuss and reach mutual
acceptable compromises on everything. I’ve explained my rationale and answered every question to the
Budget Review and full Board, receiving unanimous approval at each. Nothing has changed from a week
and a half ago.
| would like to briefly address a couple of points in a Veto message we have all received and was recently
referenced in several media outlets. | will gladly answer any questions you have regarding this contract at
any time tonight.
