HomeMy WebLinkAboutCPB-MN-2025-02-26CITY OF ITHACA
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. February 26, 2025
Present:
Chair: Kane
Commissioners (6) Simons, Korthuis, Wright, Bursic , Rogers, Onyejuruwa
Others Present:
Deputy Chief – Cow en
Alderperson - Shapiro
Public Information Specialist - Faraday
Executive Assistant to City Managers - Ibert
Deputy City Manager - Recckio
Election of Chair:
Nominated- Shirley Kane, by Commissioner Rogers: Seconded by Commissioner
Wright RESOLVED, That Shirley Kane be named Chair of the Community Police Board.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the January 22, 2025, Community Police Board Meeting Minutes -
Resolution:
By Commissioner Bursic: Seconded by Commissioner Korthuis RESOLVED, That the
minutes of the January 22, 2025, Community Police Board meeting be approved as
published.
Carried Unanimously
Public Comment:
Chair Kane requests that the comments received via email from Zack Winn be included
in the minutes for this meeting.
Report from Council:
Alderperson Shapiro introduces himself and share s that he is excited to work on
Community/ Police relations topics.
The Board introduces themselves.
Report from the Police Department: DC Cowen shares IPD recruitment/ hiring info,
including a re-hire, 3-5 new hires, 5-6 retirements pending this year.
Chair Kane shares that she would like to know about swearing in ceremonies.
The Commissioners pose questions regarding the updated roster; outreach; wording of
a document shared between IPD and the Board; CARE team; chain of command; Chair
Kane requests presentation from CARE team in a few months - proposed July.
Additional request for follow up regarding the city managing traffic violations via camera/
technology support. Inquiries about on -foot/ bicycle police presence; Commons rule
enforcement are fielded.
Report from Staff:
PIS Faraday relays that IPD has some of the information requested available on their
website, updates are ongoing and focus on transparency. Also shared is the Board’s re -
appointments being passed to Common Council.
Chris Ibert is introduced as the new staff support to the group, Chair Kane expresses
that this transition is not accepted by the Board and that they are in communication with
the Mayor.
Deputy City Manager Recckio joins the discussion, which centers around the group’s
concerns that the transition of support staff will interfere with CPB’s ability to maintain
their autonomy. Chair Kane expresses frustration over the handling of the propose d
transition, and states that the group will be working with the Mayor exclusively in
navigating this situation. Recckio offers to assist with the process/ assist in follow up.
PIS Faraday shares that this alignment will offer more direct line to the work being done
regarding public safety and the group having access to that information.
Approval of the Annual Report:
By Commissioner Bursic: Seconded by Commissioner Onyejuruwa RESOLVED, That
2024 Community Police Board Annual Report be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
The group discusses the updates to the City Charter and whom to send the Report on
to. Amended to include: Mayor, Chief of Police, City Manager, & Common Council.
Updated Procedural Guidelines:
The group reviews the Procedural Guidelines as drafted by Commissioner Bursic, live
edits made on the floor.
MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ACTIVE
INVESTIGATIONS:
By Commissioner Bursic: Seconded by Commissioner Korthuis
Respectfully submitted:
Melody Faraday,
Public Information Specialist