HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2024-03-27CITY OF ITHACA
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. March 27, 2024
Present:
Chair: Kane
Commissioners (7) Simons, Korthuis, Onyejuruwa, Wright, Bursic
Virtual:
Rogers
Others Present:
IPD Chief - Kelly
Common Council Liaison - Browm
Public Information Specialist - Faraday
Motion to Elect Shirley Kane as Community Police Board Chair:
By Commissioner Rogers: Seconded by Commissioner Wright
Discussion: Chair Kane states that the expectations of Board members have become
more involved throughout the years, a bigger commitment will be required.
RESOLVED, That Shirley Kane will be the Chair of the Community Police Board
Carried 6:1 (Chair Kane recused)
The board takes a moment to introduce themselves to their newly appointed CPB
Common Council Liasian, Alderperson Phoebe Brown
Motion to Approve the 2023 CPB Annual Report
Minor on the floor edits for clarity
By Commissioner Korthuis: Seconded by Commissioner Onyejuruwa
RESOLVED, That the 2023 CPB Annual Report be approved.
Carried Unanimously
Comments from the Public
Amanda Kirchgessner: Inquires about CJC’s involvement and contact with the CPB.
Zachary Winn: Speaks about alleged illicit drug content; homeless encampments and
relocation of people after Code Blue is over; questions about gang drug distribution.
Response:
Alderperson Brown states that she is looking into what is to happen upon Code Blue
ending; shares concerns about drug tampering.
Chair Kane states that she is on a workgroup with CJC, and that the board just received
an update from Monalita Smiley.
Chief Kelly sates that he has been welcomed and looped in with CJC. Alderperson
Brown states that she is also on a working group. Onyejuruwa states that he is also
looking forward to CJC gaining momentum and making good progress.
Report from Common Council: Alderperson Brown reports that new Council format
will involve 3 monthly meetings, with the first Wednesday being the one that the public
is welcome to comment at, the others are working meetings with no public comment.
Report from the Police Department: Chief Kelly states that IPD members have been
continuing trainings. They were pleased to be involved in Chili fest, as well as a
community Easter Egg hunt, and Polar Plunge. A Captain has been selected- Ted
Schwartz.
Working with CARE team.
IPD will be taking the GIVE grant over. Will be looking into technology, staffing, among
other things.
The Board in quires about staffing, Chief shares that 2 went to Academy, one elected to
leave. We are still understaffed, but working hard on recruitment, please assist in
referring folks that may be interested in working with IPD.
Community involvement and its role in recruitment is discussed. Chief Kelly states that
Juston Balderssare would be a good point of contact for further ideas about the matter.
The Board will draft a letter to send to Captain Schwartz to congratulate him.
Old Business
5.1 Outreach- Onyejuruwa has spoken with the Human Resources Coalition and will
continue conversations about various places to gather to conduct outreach. Will speak
with elected officials as well. Aims to increase distribution and access to the CPB.
PIS Faraday states that we are very close to live with the fillable form.
5.2 Q&A RE: FLOCK- Chief provided written answers to questions from CPB.
The Board would also like to be provided with updates, feels this will help with
community transparency as well.
There was a presentation to Common Council in November & August 2023 that can be
referred to.
The Board stresses the importance of community buy in with IPD Policy and adoption of
new technologies.
CARE update is tabled to April meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Melody Faraday,
Public Information Specialist