HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2012-11-15CITY OF ITHACA
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MINUTES
November 15, 2012
Present:
Co -Chair — Kane
Co -Chair — Rogers
Commissioner Bush
Commissioner DaGrossa
Commissioner Levine
Acting Chief Barber
Common Council Liaison - Kerslick
Information Management Specialist - Day
Excused:
Commissioner Hang
Call to Order: 3:36 p.m
Introductions
Co -Chair Rogers introduced the two new members Commissioner DaGrossa and
Commissioner Levine. Each person gave a brief biography of their backgrounds and explained
why they are interested in serving on the Board.
Approval of the Minutes of October 25, 2012
By Commissioner Kane; Seconded by Commissioner Bush
RESOLVED, that the minutes of the October 25, 2012 Community Police Board meeting be
approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Comments from the Public
No one appeared to address the Board.
Report from Common Council
Alderpson Kerslick reported that the 2013 Ithaca City Budget has been adopted. Common
Council is interest in revising the budget process to allow more time to actually understand what
is behind the numbers. In regards to the police department, although the number of officers on
the payroll is decreasing, the salaries are increasing to a level the city can no longer manage.
The City needs more information regarding the types of crime and areas impacted so that the
city needs to start thinking strategically about how it provides public safety.
Commissioner Rogers questioned whether the public can get involved in the budget process on
behalf of Police Department and to take a stand regarding cuts to that department.
Commissioner Kane questioned how the Board could be more involved in the development of
the Police Department and offered some suggestions.
Commissioner Bush questioned how the budget would be impacted should the City be required
to make a pay -out in the Miller vs. City of Ithaca lawsuit, after the appeal process.
Alderperson Kerslick responded that the City is appealing the decision and if a payment is
required, some of it would be covered by insurance, and the City would be responsible for it
remainder.
Report from the Police Department
Acting Chief Barber reported that one complimentary letter was received for Officer Chance
VanCleef. The department had a busy week with 2 armed robberies, 1 attempted robbery, a
stabbing, and vehicle accidents. The department is down to 58 officers as another officer is out
on medical leave. The Ithaca Police Department is still performing quality service and the work
is getting done.
The Human Resource Department is accepting applications for the Chief of Police position until
12/14/12. Alderperson Kerslick will check with Mayor Myrick to see who is involved in the search
committee and what role the Community Police has in the process.
Report from Staff
The 2011 year end report was not submitted prior to Executive Assistant Della Herden's
resignation and still needs to be completed.
Old Business
The Community Police Board would like to update the brochure "A Citizens' Guide to ".
Commissioner Levine expressed an interest to review the brochure for any potential updates
and design changes.
New Business
Commissioner Bush requested that his status of being re- appointed be looked at since his term
expired in 2010 and he is still serving until replaced or re- appointed.
Alderperson Kerslick replied that he would contact Mayor Myrick regarding Commissioner
Bush's status with the Community Police Board and find out if he should either be re- appointed
or apply again. Commissioner Rogers stated that he would like to see Commissioner Bush
remain on the Board.
Motion to Enter into Executive Session to discuss active investigations
By: Commissioner Kane Seconded by: Commissioner Bush
Resolved, that the Community Police Board enters into Executive Session to discuss active
investigations.
Carried Unanimously
Reconvene:
The Board reconvened into regular session with no formal action taken.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the need to schedule a training session for the new
commissioners. Commissioner Rogers requested that this session also include an Executive
session so that the Commissioners could discuss actual investigations during the training
session.
Adjournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cindie L. Day, Information Management Specialist