HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2013-10-23CITY OF ITHACA
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting 3:30 p.m. October 23, 2013
Present:
Commissioners (6) Kane, Rogers, Brower, DaGrossa, LaPadula, Wright
OTHERS PRESENT:
Council Liason — Kerslick
Information Management Specialist Day
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Levine
Commissioner Baker
Chief Barber
CALL TO ORDER: 3:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 25, 2013 MEETING
By Commissioner Rogers: Seconded by Commissioner LaPadula
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the September 25, 2013 Community Police
Board meeting be approved with noted corrections.
Carried Unanimously
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:
Commissioner Kane shared an e -mail received from Tom Thumb who asked the
Board to discuss and consider recommending that Police Officers wear personal
body cameras.
REPORT FROM COMMON COUNCIL:
Common Council Liaison Kerslick reported that he and Chief Barber met with
Ithaca City School Superintendent Luvelle Brown. Alderperson Kerslick further
noted that he heard back from Carlan Gray, Ithaca City School District, who has
4 students, from different schools, interested in the vacant youth position on the
Community Police Board.
Alderperson Kerslick further provided an update on Common Council's review of
the proposed 2014 Ithaca Police Department budget. The Police Department is
requesting 6 additional officers; Common Council agreed to further consider the
addition of 2 officers.
October 23, 2013
REPORT FROM STAFF:
Information Management Specialist Day reported on the following:
• Commissioners were reminded that they need to attend a ride -along with
the Patrol Division and there are only a few months left in the year for this
to take place.
• The Ithaca Police Department will be sending in compliment letters prior to
the meetings, so copies can be distributed at the meeting for review.
The November and December meetings have been rescheduled to
November 20th and December 18th due to the upcoming holidays.
OLD BUSINESS:
Commissioner DaGrossa met with PrincipleTina Neilson- Hodges and Jhakeem
Halthom with New Roots about the vacant youth position. They have a student in
mind that would be great for this position and will contact them to see if they are
interested.
Commissioner Rogers gave an update on the investigation guidelines that he is
working on with Commissioner Wright and Levine. They should be finalized by
the end of the year.
Commissioner DaGrossa asked if anything has taken place with the Burmese
situation and whether the Chief followed through with the meeting that was
proposed. Commissioner DaGrossa will contact Sarah Wessels from BOCES to
check on the status of the outcome.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Kane commented on the recent article in the Ithaca Times
regarding the Ithaca Police Department's new policy relating to the actions of off -
duty police officers. The Board requested to see the actual written policy from the
Police Chief. Alderperson Kerslick thanked the Board for their participation in
this policy change.
MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ACTIVE
INVESTIGATIONS:
By Commissioner Rogers: Seconded by Commissioner Brower
RESOLVED, That the Community Police Board enter into Executive Session to
discuss active investigations.
Carried Unanimously
RECONVENE:
The Board reconvened into Regular Session with no formal action taken.
Common Council Liaison Kerslick inquired about the status of Commissioner
Baker who has been excused from the past few meetings. Information
Management Specialist Day responded that Commissioner Baker called and
reported that he should be back for the November meeting.
2
October 23, 2013
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the value of good communication skills
when Commissioners are working on a complaint together. There should be
clear expectations when case assignments are made the complainant knows that
their complaint is being addressed. If a Commissioner is going to be unavailable
during the investigation time frame, it should be assigned to another
Commissioner. Commissioners should be reporting back to the Co- Chairs on
their progress.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:00 pm
Respectfully submitted:
Cindie L. Day
Information Management Specialist
3