HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2023-09-27CITY OF ITHACA
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. September 27, 2023
Present:
Chair: Kane
Commissioners (7) Beem-Miller, Rogers, Simons, Korthuis, Wright, Bursic
Onyejuruwa- virtual
Others Present:
Acting Chief - Schwartz
Deputy Chief - Monticello
Common Council Liaison - McGonigal
Public Information Specialist - Faraday
Approval of the August 23, 2023 Minutes:
By Commissioner Bursic; Seconded by Commissioner Korthuis
RESOLVED, that minutes of the August 23, 2023, Community Police Board be
approved.
Report from Police Department:
Acting Chief Schwartz reports that they have some folks in field training, and several
lateral applicants they are processing. The IPD budget has been submitted for 2024,
Mayor’s budget will be presented next week. Chair Kane states that the CPB would like
to know more about the budget and how they can assist in supporting the needs of IPD
via a letter to Council.
Commissioners ask questions about daily operations and how time is split, and
community outreach, and the CJC.
Report from Common Council:
Alderperson McGonigal states that he would love to see the relationship with Southside
Community center and IPD be nurtured.
McGonigal shares that the IPD Chief Search Committee has been formed, and they are
working with the consultant for the national search, more meeting will be coming shortly.
City policy regarding encampments now states no specific “red zones” but the law
remains that camping is illegal on all city property, except for the “green zone” as
outlined.
There is growing concern on the Commons regarding drug use, harassment, sanitary
issues, etc. This issue is exacerbated by IPD being understaffed.
Commissioners asked questions and discussed County vs. City approaches for
addressing homeless needs and concerns, and what different organizations are
responsible for in terms of coordination and care.
A discussion was had about enforcement, and housing, and the various challenges they
presented historically, and challenges moving forward.
Commissioners inquired about the transition support at IPD, given that there will be a lot
of retirements and potentially new folks in new positions.
Ways to file Complaints:
The group agrees that they would like to have an online process for Complaints and
Compliments.
Commissioner Onyejuruwa asks to put Outreach on the next agenda.
CPB Document
The group makes minor edits and approves the document for publication.
My Grandmother’s Hands
The group agrees to not hold discussions about the book at meetings, due to varying
levels of interest/ engagement with materials.
Commissioner Korthuis relays to the group that there are many cases and relevant
topics being explored on CSPAN that the CPB could benefit from tuning into.
AC Schwartz tells the group that he will be requesting funding for a data analyst for IPD.
The group asks for follow-up on whether there is a training budget for CPB presently
available.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Melody Faraday,
Public Information Specialist