Police seek additional space in Fredonia | News, Sports, Jobs

The Fredonia Police Department is looking for more space in the community center.

Fredonia Police Chief David Price wants a new and improved evidence room, but with space at a premium in the old Village Hall/Opera House, it could create a domino effect that forces the Board of Directors to reschedule meetings and hamper the broadcast of Fredonia Access.

Price, supported by Mayor Michael Ferguson, made the request at a trustee workshop last week. He wants to move the space to Fredonia Access’ current facility.

“Chief Price informed us that he had been awarded money to purchase equipment that had to be discarded for various reasons,” Said trustee Jon Espersen. “One is the space, (there’s also) a safety issue. After the meeting, the mayor, trustee (Michelle) Twichell and I went down and looked at the space where (Fredonia Access chief) Chip (Riewaldt) is now, and I thought we all agreed that this would be the space they would use for the equipment.”

Price said: “Just waiting for confirmation. I can’t order anything until I get the room because I don’t have space to store anything.”

Espersen asked him to explain what the equipment is and what it is used for. Price paused and said: “Currently, I do not have an evidence room. My evidence storage facility is the Opera House sprinkler room, which is approximately 3′ x 12′. I am requesting space on the same floor as the police department, which is currently occupied by the Cable Advisory Board. The things we deal with and manage must be handled with the utmost care and stored accordingly. Not only do I need space, but I need a room that I can separate from the police department, that I can ventilate with outside air, that I can process the evidence in a way that does not contaminate the entire police department.”

Price added that the desired equipment would be funded by a grant and “a local benefactor who wishes to remain anonymous for now.” The equipment includes surveillance cameras and something “Securely manage, process and package evidence before it is disposed of.”

The dilapidated premises the police department must use currently lack adequate ventilation for the safe handling of evidence. Price noted that evidence handling currently risks contaminating his entire police station.

There is no doubt that Price was referring, among other things, to fentanyl, the dangerous, disgusting drug that ravages America’s streets. Fentanyl is an even deadlier cousin of heroin and can put its users into a coma and kill them.

“This is not possible in other parts of the building because I do not have the staff to accommodate other people in other areas,” The price continued. “They need to be available for calls so they can respond appropriately.”

Ferguson said: “We have discussed the possibility of moving our sessions to the courtrooms (on the third floor). … We can only arrange that between the two court dates. It is safer, there is a metal detector up there, which unfortunately will be necessary in the future.” The mayor added that there is more space and a negotiation room that can be used for board meetings.

“Chip, on the other hand, has extensive equipment,” he continued. “Part of that service is part of our agreement with Spectrum. My original idea – and we know we’re under pressure because this has to be done by August so we don’t miss this opportunity – is that there’s a series of towers down there… that would cost a tremendous amount to move. Can they be moved? Yes. Was that budgeted for in the move? No. Is there a way to build a room around what’s down there and give Dave the amount?” falls silent.

“Police and fire departments are of utmost importance for the safety of this community,” Ferguson added, lecturing on the dangers of fentanyl.

He concluded, “Can we find a way to have those towers down there, build around them – and this is where the controversy comes in – run cables into that room and trustees on the third floor? It’s possible. Time is of the essence.”

Dave Fridmann, who recorded the workshop for Fredonia Access, was asked if he thought everything could be done by August. “It depends on the type of container Dave needs to build. … If we have to move the towers, say by August, it doesn’t matter. We just need to make a plan for it and hire someone to do it.”

Fridmann continued: “It’s about community safety and I don’t think you should even hesitate to move forward on that. Now we just need to get to the practical part. You need to tell us where to go and where to set it up and then we can start making a realistic plan for what’s going to happen.”

Espersen asked Ferguson if trustee meetings and workshops would interfere with court proceedings. Ferguson said that after “Preliminary discussions” With court officials present, it would be easier for trustees to reschedule their appointments.

“This must be accelerated,” he added later. “I’ve looked at it quite extensively and would like you to look at it as soon as possible.”

Trustees said they would discuss the matter further at Monday’s meeting.