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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-1998-10-22 s B c'o 8 318 No OF ITHACA iv (�°` �'4 X18 North Albany Street Ithaca, Nc�� l'or61i850 o• a COAI1'MI MTV POLICE BOA RD I.CgPoAnEO,-- Tclrplu,n,-. (I( .50-99 ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MEETING MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: October 22, 1998 at 3:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners Jones, Laskowitz, Nelson, Pryor, Richardson Chief Basile, Deputy Chief Barnes Alderperson Sams. Deborah Clover, CPB Staff. Faye Gougakis, Public. 1. Commissioner Pryor called the meeting to order. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of September 24, 1998. By Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Laskowitz. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the September 24, 1998 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. Comments from the Public: Faye Gougakis spoke to the Board about ongoing problems she is experiencing and her need and expectations for help from the IPD. Although some officers are helpful, Ms. Gougakis expressed frustration regarding an encounter she had with other officers at the police station the previous day and the fact that she had difficulty reaching the officer she wanted to speak with as well as the Chief and Deputy Chief. Ms. Gougakis indicated that she intends to file a complaint with the CPB. Alderperson Sams offered to follow-up on one of the problems discussed by Ms. Gougakis, and Deputy Chief Barnes stated that he would make sure Officer Beau Saul contacts her. Chief Basile described the efforts already made by the Department to assist Ms. Gougakis. 4. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Sams reported that the CPB is scheduled for this evening's (October 22) Common Council meeting for budget presentation. Alderperson Sams then reported that she received a call from freelance reporter Les Jenks who is upset that he can't get information and reports from the IPD when he requests such. He felt that the IPD public relations efforts were not adequate and that he needs better communication with the department. Chief Basile indicated that the Department tries to maintain good relations with the press and releases information as soon as able; however, Mr. Jenks' requests often don't coincide with the Department's established timelines for release of information. Chief Basile will contact Mr. Jenks to discuss the situation. -Ai, Lyu.il Opp. t twin I]npt“ ■„h .1 L(511111111111(-111 i■ w..rkl!■n•t• Jnnnfcauon 0 ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 2 Meeting Minutes June 25, 1998 5. Report of the Chief: Chief Basile reported on the following: • Officer David Lanning is transferring to the Cayuga Heights Police Department; his last day at IPD will be November 5. Both the Chief and Deputy Chief expressed sorrow at losing this officer who has been with the Department for five years. The Chief will request a vacancy review. • There is still a vacancy for one dispatcher. IPD just filled one vacancy, then lost another dispatcher. This position is scheduled for a vacancy review at the next IPD also just lost a typist who has transferred to a position in the courts where there are greater career advancement opportunities. • The Chief intends to make a request to Common Council for a facilitator to review IPD business practices. The Chief wants to see a more pro-active department that's "kinder and gentler." The facilitator will look at current structure, goals, etc. and explore possible better ways of doing things. Alderperson Sams stated that it is important to have the facilitator work with a team representing a cross-section of the Department, and asked for the facilitator's resume. • Regarding last month's discussion of reorganization, the Board suggested that when new officers are going out into the community policing unit, it may be a good idea to do some additional public relations. Chief Basile stated that an article was done in the past. • Two commendations were received and reviewed by the Board. 6. Comments from PBA President: There was no one from the PBA present. 7. Old Business: The CPB reported on the following topics: • Appeals Process: The update on the Appeals process was tabled until next month's meeting. • IPD Budget: The IPD Budget was presented to Common Council. Commissioners Pryor, Jones and Nelson attended the meeting, and the Chief thanked them for their support. • IPD Tracking of Complaints/Issues Brought by the Public: The Chief presented an Incident Clarification Sheet which he has begun using to track individuals who come to him for clarification or resolution of issues that involve the IPD. At this time, the Chief is using this form but is unsure just how it will be used within the Department. He will discuss it in his next staff meeting and expects that first line supervisors will also use the form. The Board requested that the Chief add a line to the form for the initials of the person who handles the disposition. • Board Vacancy: Commissioner Pryor reminded the Board that there is still one vacancy on the CPB and asked Commissioners to think about possible candidates. Commissioner Richardson stated that Kenny Cox, a parent of Students at BJM elementary school and ACS and active in school/PTA activities, has expressed an interest in serving on the CPB. ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 3 Meeting Minutes June 25, 1998 8. New Business: • A summary of duties and responsibilities of the CPB staff position was distributed. It has become clear that the duties are beyond those of a secretarial position, and Commissioner Pryor stated that the Board will be requesting a future reevaluation of the position level and pay scale. Common Council will be informed of this intention at tonight's meeting. • The CPB budget for 1999 and Report to Common Council were reviewed and accepted. There was some discussion about plans for 1999, which include increased outreach efforts. It was suggested that these may be focused on community groups, PTAs, Southside Community Center, and Senior Citizens. Other plans include training for Commissioners on procedures, and developing an orientation process for new Commissioners. 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled for November 19, 1998 at 3:30 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room at City Hall. Note that this is the third Thursday of the month due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. On a motion by Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session.