HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2013-07-24CITY OF ITHACA
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting 3:30 p.m. July 24, 2013
Present:
Commissioners (7) Kane, Rogers, Brower, DaGrossa, Levine, LaPadula, Wright,
OTHERS PRESENT:
Council Liaison — Kerslick
Chief Barber
Information Management Specialist Day
EXCUSED:
Commissioners (1) Baker
CALL TO ORDER: 3:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 2013 MEETING
By Commissioner Rogers: Seconded by Commissioner DeGrossa
RESOLVED, that the minutes of the June 19, 2012 Community Police Board meeting
be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:
Sarah Chalmers, Civic Ensemble, spoke to the Board about community based plays
that are put together each year on topics that are of importance to the community. The
performances are held at local theatres. This year they would like to do a "community
police relations" play. They wanted to get word out in order to recruit community
members who would like to participate. She also invited any Board members who are
interested to participate, and noted that they would be reaching out to current and
former law enforcement officers. Ms. Chalmers will be e- mailing information to staff so
it can be distributed to the Commissioners.
REPORT FROM COMMON COUNCIL
Alderperson Kerslick reported that Common Council voted in support of the
appointment of John Barber to the Police Chief position. He further stated that Council
would like to see the results of the external investigation being conducted by the FBI
and NYS Attorney General's Office on Lt. Marlon Byrd expedited.
REPORT FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Barber reported that they have been talking with the PBA regarding a pilot
program for 12 hour shifts and putting two platoons together. This would enable the
department to form Community Action Teams where groups of two officers would be
able to cover areas together.
Renovations to the Ithaca Police Department are concluding. The rooms being
renovated include the briefing room, conference room, and training room.
The Police Department recently held an awards ceremony to recognize Officers for their
life saving efforts and heroic deeds. The last ceremony was held in 1996, so all officers
involved in incidents were recognized from that time forward. They plan to continue this
recognition each year.
Commissioner Levine arrived at 3:36 p.m.
REPORT FROM STAFF
Information Management Specialist Day reported that she consulted with City Attorney
Lavine regarding whether or not the final reports of an investigation can be e- mailed or
mailed to the Commissioners prior to the meeting. The City Attorney responded that
they can be e- mailed or mailed as long as the following is listed: "This e- mail /mail
contains information that is confidential and may not be distributed to any others ".
DISCUSSION OF IPD 2014 BUDGET PROPOSAL
Chief Barber reported that his department has a directive to submit a draft budget
showing a 2% decrease. The only way to make the cut would be through staff
reductions (civilian or police officers). The department is down on the number of
employed police officers and civilian positions from past budget reductions, so any
layoffs would impact the department. If the department started utilizing the 12 hour
shifts it may help during time frames when more officers are needed as overtime details
are not always easy to fill.
The CPB can support the Ithaca Police Department and advocate against the proposed
cuts by attending and speaking at the upcoming budget meetings.
DISCUSSION ON THE SERIES, RACE: THE POWER OF AN ILLUSION
Commissioner DaGrossa shared the video "Race: The Power of an Illusion" with those
who wish to view it.
Chief Barber replied that the City's Human Resource Department will be showing the
video to all of the IPD Supervisors. They will be providing a facilitator for the group
discussion that will follow the viewing. Chief Barber will inform the Co- Chairs of the
date, time and location of the meeting for Commissioners to be able to attend the
training.
DISCUSSION ON FACE BOOK POSTING:
Commissioner Kane addressed the Board regarding a comment that was posted to the
City's Facebook page by an individual who had filed a complaint with the CPB. After
discussion, it was decided that the Board will not respond to any Facebook postings.
Further discussion followed regarding the appeal process that is in place when a person
is not satisfied with the final decision letter of their complaint. If the complainant has
additional information to submit to the Board, the Commissioners will re -open the
investigation for review. Otherwise the final decision letter stands and the case is
closed.
MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ACTIVE
INVESTIGATIONS:
By Commissioner Rogers: Seconded by Commissioner LaPadula
RESOLVED, That the Community Police Board enter into Executive Session to discuss
active investigations.
Carried Unanimously
RECONVENE:
The Board reconvened into Regular Session with a recommendation of the resolution of
Case 2013 -3.
RESOLUTION:
By Commissioner Lapadula: Seconded by Commissioner Levine
RESOLVED, That case 2013 -3 is hereby closed.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (6) Wright, Rogers, LaPadula, DaGrossa, Levine, Brower
Nays (0)
Abstentions (1) Kane
Carried (6 -0 -1)
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Cindie L. Day
Information Management Specialist