HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2015-08-26CITY OF ITHACA
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting 3:30 p.m. August 26, 2015
Present:
Co-Chair: Kane
Commissioners (3) Wright, Onyejuruwa, LaPadula
OTHERS PRESENT:
Common Council Liaison – Kerslick
Acting Deputy Police Chief Monticello
City Clerk Holcomb
EXCUSED:
Co-Chair Rogers
Youth Commissioner Hause
Commissioner DaGrossa
CALL TO ORDER: 3:35 p.m.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:
Bruce Beem-Miller noted that he has submitted an application to serve on the Board
and has undergone a portion of the required background check. He voiced his
interest in being part of the communication link between the Ithaca Police
Department and the Community.
Tammy Baker – Community Outreach Worker Program introduced herself and
provided information about the new pilot program. The Outreach Worker Program
area includes the West State Street corridor from the Ithaca Commons to Route 13,
the Tompkins County Library, and DeWitt Park. The program hours are between
10:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday-Friday. Ms. Baker will talk with people and assist them
in finding the services they need, educate and support community members, and
help everyone to understand the Commons rules. An e-mail distribution list will be
created along with door-to-door introductions and other notification efforts to raise
awareness about the availability of the program. Several ideas are being developed
such as a “Pay it Forward” program where people would be able to make donations
to local restaurants who would in turn make food/coffee available to those in need.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding other duties that Ms. Baker will be
responsible for and she noted that she will be gathering information for the Ithaca
Police Department on different topics including the number and locations where
sharps/needles are being found in the program area. She noted that plans moving
forward include data collection and benchmarking. She expressed her willingness to
make quarterly reports to the Board on the progress of the program.
PUBLIC INFORMATION/COMMUNTIY OUTREACH PRESENTATION:
City Clerk Holcomb shared a brochure that was developed by Steven D’Alterio, a
Youth Employment Service (YES) student who worked out her office this summer to
raise awareness about the Community Police Board. The Board reviewed and
approved the brochure. City Clerk Holcomb stated that she would be happy to have
the brochures and membership applications distributed at the upcoming BEAR Walk
in Collegetown on September 1, 2015 and at other information outreach type events.
Commissioner Kane suggested that a letter be crafted to send to Mr. D’Alterio to
thank him for his efforts.
REPORT FROM COMMON COUNCIL:
Common Council Liaison Kerslick reported that City budget meetings will begin in
October. The Ithaca Police Department budget meeting will be held on October 21,
2015 at 6:00 pm.
He further reported that he will speak to the Mayor regarding the number of
vacancies on the Board and explain that it is getting difficult to achieve a quorum to
conduct business.
REPORT FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Acting Deputy Police Chief Monticello reported on the following:
The department has six vacant positions; four lateral transfer candidates have
been interviewed with an average of 2-9 years of experience. The deadline
to apply for the Police Officer exam is October 1, 2015. The test will be given
in November.
There was an official opening of the West End district office on August 19,
2015 which was well attended.
National Night Out was celebrated in Conway Park on August 3, 2015
On July 26, 2015 there was drowning at the Second Dam. A joint
enforcement detail with the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office resulted in 4
arrests on July 29, 2015. This area has experienced growing problems and
discussions will continue to be held regarding solutions to address them.
The body cameras have been purchased and delivered, and the docking
stations and software have been installed. Training needs to occur before the
program can be implemented and it looks like that will be scheduled for
October.
IPD will be conducting joint details with the Cornell University Police
Department for the return of the students to address quality of life issues.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Julie Conley Holcomb
City Clerk