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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2000-01-27ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MEETING MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: First Floor Conference Room, Human Services Building 320 W. State TIME & DATE January 27, 2000 at 3:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners Laskowitz, Jones, Graham, Nelson Chief Basile, Deputy Chief Barnes, Alderpersons Sams and Pryor Nancy Falconer CPB Staff Excused: Commissioners Killeen and Skibinski Visitors: Elizabeth Harkness, (WHCU) Haridarshan Khalsa (with Alderperson Sams) Commissioner Nelson took on the Chair position until a successor to Pat Pryor can be named. It was noted that Commissioner Skibinski has retired from the Board since he recently moved to Texas . No one has yet been appointed to replace him nor the position left by Commissioner Pryor. 1. Approval of Minutes of December 16, 1999 The Minutes were approved unanimously 2. Comments from the Public Alderperson Sams introduced Haridarshan Khalsa, who was attending to become familiar with the proceedings of the Board, and is being mentored by Alderperson Sams.. 3. Report from Common Council a) Alderperson Sams stated her findings that legally, a person between 16 and 18 could become a full member of the Board, since the Board serves in an advisory capacity and does not have final determination on issues except for taxicab appeals. However, both she and Alderperson Pryor questioned that the segment of the Charter that gives this power might negate the possibility of full membership. The matter will be investigated further and reported to the Board. b) Commissioner Laskowitz questioned whether a youth should participate in the voting on findings or interviewing in case investigations. Discussion followed about these details. c) Chief Basile suggested that the Board might consider taking their questions to the youth of the community in some spot that is comfortable for them, rather than asking them to attend the Board meetings. d) Alderperson Pryor stated that the Mayor has not yet appointed a liaison from Common Council. 4 Report from Police Chief a) The written report by the Chief for the meeting of December 16, 1999 was reviewed. Discussion followed about Diversity Training and its effects in the department and the involvement of the officers. Alderperson Sams commended Chief Basile and Deputy Chief Barney on their efforts at getting officers into the training. A second level of training is scheduled to begin, and the Department has plans to build extended training into each session as they proceed. About eight to twelve officers attend at a time. b) The report for January was as follows: Another officer, Kevin McKenna was hired, which leaves three more to make a full component. There will be seven lateral applicants interviewed for the three police officer positions. c) Overtime has been over budget for several years, due to shortages of officers, and covering such times as Cornell Seniors week, and other items. Training time also takes officers off the beats and of necessity, some thought is being given to ways to save on overtime. d) The new Community Officers are: Christine Barksdale, Northside Mike Koval, Center Tony Scaglione, Southside Bill Cornell, downtown Each will also have extra duties; e.g.: Officer Barksdale with youth, and Bill Cornell with domestic violence, e) Deputy Chief Sharson is scheduling line officers to attend community meetings. Chief Basile has been asked to join the Alcoholism Council. 5. Old Business a)The End of Year Report for the Community Police Board was reviewed and was well received by Board members. The larger number of conciliated cases was noted and received positive comment. It was decided that the PBA would receive a copy of the report, and Chief Basile will take care of this. b) Commissioner :Laskowitz asked about the procedure now that his and Commissioner Killeen's terms have expired. Mayor Cohen has agreed to renew their terms since both are willing to continue. 6. New Business a) Commissioner Laskowitz was nominated for Chair by Commissioner Jones. He declined, saying new duties are keeping him too occupied, but that he might consider it another time. Commissioner Laskowitz then nominated Commissioner Graham. For Chair of the Board. She did not believe she would have time for the position, but agreed to consider it before the next meeting. b) Commissioner Laskowitz nominated Commissioner Nelson for Vice Chair. He accepted the nomination and was voted Vice Chair unanimously. The meeting was adjourned to Executive session at 5:05 p.m.