HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-1999-03-25 417f!;?c�+,, CITY OF ITHACA
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ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MEETING
MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board
PLACE: Second floor Conference Room, City Hall
TIME & DATE: March 25, 1999, at 3:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Pryor, Skibinski, Jones, Killeen, Graham, Laskowitz.
Excused: Commissioner Nelson
Alderperson Sams, Alderperson Shenk
Chief Basile, Deputy Chief Barnes.
Nancy Falconer, CPB Staff
Guests, Bradely D. Farmer, Regional Director, Boy Scouts
Officer Anthony Scaglione, local Explorer Post leader.
1. Commissioner Pryor called the meeting to order
2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of February 25, 1999
By Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Killeen.
Carried Unanimously
3. Comments From Guests.
Commissioner Pryor introduced Mr. Brad Farmer, Regional Director of the Boy
Scouts and Officer Anthony Scaglione, leader of the local Explorer Unit. They
attended at the Board's invitation, to inform the Board about these units and to
answer questions the Board has about their policies. Mr. Farmer explained that
the U.S. Congress established the Boy Scouts of America in 1910 as a
corporation. The Learning for Life program was established in 1941 in the
school system. The Explorer Posts were later established under the auspices of
Learning for Life. The only screening of leaders for the Explorer Post is that they
must be considered fit by the standards of the Police Unit that sponsors the Post.
The traditional Boy Scout units have the same standards, with the caveat that
the Boy Scout leaders must satisfy the policies established by the BSA. These
policies exclude homosexuals and atheists. Officer Scaglione then discussed his
Explorer Post, and the policies and composition of the group. He stated that the
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ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 2
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 25, 1999
Post does not discriminate and has a very diverse group of 14 young males and
females between the ages of 14 and 21. He, for example, does not know the
sexual orientation of the youngsters in the Post. However, he does feel the
connection to the Regional Boy Scout unit is important to retain because of its
networking connections with other units. Discussion ensued about how Learning
For Life and Explorer Post members are recruited, and Chief Basile stated that
recruitment is widely advertised, and that leaders go to the schools to recruit.
He would like to see more city kids involved. Commissioner Pryor and
Alderperson Shenk asked if the Learning for Life and Explorer Post could
announce that the local units do not discriminate for reasons of sexual
orientation, religion or gender. Mr. Farmer said that while he does not know of
any discrimination in our local units, he is not allowed to violate any rules of the
national charter of the BSA, and any such announcement could constitute a
violation.
At the request of Commissioner Pryor, and with the support of Chief Basile, Mr.
Farmer agreed to provide, within a week, a letter to Chief Basile verifying that the
Explorer and learning for Life Units do not discriminate in leadership or
membership. A lengthy discussion of the organizations that do not support the
Boy Scouts because of these discriminatory policies, followed, and whether it is
more effective to disassociate from the Boy Scouts or to work within to change
the policies.
Mr. Farmer and Officer Scaglione were thanked for their input and attendance,
and left the meeting at 4:15.p.m.
4 Report from Common Council
Alderperson Shenk reported on the Common Council investigation into the
barbershop closing, and said that it is unknown as to how long it will take the
Human Rights Commission to complete the investigation.
5. Report of the Chief
The Chief reported that the two Lieutenant candidates have been chosen, and
said that these positions will be filled by April first. Commissioner Pryor asked
why no one from the community was involved in the interviews. Chief Basile said
that the Mayor has stated that community involvement is not considered
necessary when internal candidates are interviewed and promoted.
Commissioner Pryor and Alderperson Shenk both said that that the community
feels the Mayor and Chief Basile committed to including community members in
all interviews. The current procedures need to be clarified for the community.
Chief Basile also said that the Deputy Chief positions have been advertised
outside the Department, Three eligible officers have applied from within.
nterviews with community input will be conducted and he hopes he hopes to
have the positions filled by the 14 or 15th of April.
ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 3
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 25, 1999
Chief Basile also reported that he spoke to a 'Street Law' class at the Alternative
Community School, and found them to be very alert, probing and insightful in
their questions.
The incident clarification form from the Police Department will be brought to the
meeting in April.
6. Old Business
a) The Appeals Process was discussed. The CPB is awaiting review of the
Process by the City Attorney. Chief Basile asked if there is an appeals process
for an officer to use if he does not agree with a finding. Alderperson Shenk said
she would bring this up with the Mayor. Commissioner Pryor pointed out that
officers have contractual protections regarding disciplinary procedures.
b) The Board discussed finding a young person to serve on the Board.
Commissioner Pryor said that she is in contact with someone at Alternative
Community School about this. Commissioner Skibinski suggested that the
Learning Webwould also be a good source to approach. Alderperson Shenk
suggested that it might be a better approach to try to assemble a group of young
sters who are interested, and have them discuss issues to send to the meeting
with one of their group. Commissioner Pryor asked for members to form a
committee to generate youthful input to the Board. Commissioner Jones
volunteered, and said that he would ask Commissioner Nelson to work with
himon this project.
7. New Business
No new Business was discussed.
The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 4:58 p.m