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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-1997-03-21 ...)0= fmn ',4..„01-0,11711 TN" CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: March 21, 1997 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners McGruder, Nelson, Seligmann, Yarrow. Acting Chief Barnes, Mayor Cohen. 1 . Commissioner Seligmann called the meeting to order. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of January 24, 1997 and February 28, 1997. by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner McGruder. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 24, 1997 and February 28, 1997 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Mayor Cohen briefly spoke about the upcoming City residency law that would require all new employees hired off the City list to remain living in the City for 3 years. This would help promote diversity amongst City employees as many members of the protected class reside in the City. Mayor Cohen noted that the Deputy Police Chief and Deputy Fire Chief's salaries will be reviewed. Commissioner Yarrow asked about the dispatcher salaries. Mayor Cohen noted that he is looking into that as part of the E91 1 changeover. Mayor Cohen noted that he will be appointing a new member to the Ithaca Community Police Board and plans to announce this to Common Council at their April meeting. At this point Commissioner Yarrow noted that he will be forced to submit his resignation from the Community Police Board in May due to relocating. Mayor Cohen also presented the Community Police Board with a proposal to name the Hall of Justice; he suggested calling it the Michael A. Padula Hall of Justice. Brief discussion followed and the Community Police Board decided to put this on their agenda for April for further discussion. 4. Comments from the Public: There was no one from the public present. ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 2 Meeting Minutes March 21 , 1997 5. Report of the Chief: Acting Chief Barnes reported on the following: • There are currently 7 police officer vacancies and 5 new police officers were selected today, they are: ♦ Jeff Cole ♦ John Arsenault ♦ Scott Hoffman ♦ Matt Pagliaro ♦ Derek Moore • Douglas Martin has been promoted to sergeant in the Special Investigations Unit. • The Parking Meter Checkers last day of work was February 28, 1997. Two Community Service Officers have been hired to replace them, former meter checker Lisa Sperger and Sean Jenkins. • Neighborhood Police Officers are making several "quality of life" arrests in their neighborhoods, based on complaints of residents in the affected areas. Officer Daniel Slattery of this Unit has requested to be put back in the Patrol Division. • An 8 hour course entitled, "Mental Health Issues for Law Enforcement" was held on February 25, 1997, at the Ithaca Police Department. This was a joint effort between the Tompkins County Mental Health Department and the Ithaca Police Department. This course will be offered regularly so all Ithaca Police officers can attend. The Ithaca Police Department also hosted a week long "Interview and Interrogation School" and a two week long "Evidence and Crime Scene Specialist" school in March. • Lt. Monticello will be graduating from the FBI Training School next week, Capt. Haus will be attending. 6. Comments from PBA President: There was no one present from the PBA. 7. Old Business: Commissioner Yarrow gave a brief update on the Police Chief selection committee. He noted that the committee has set up interviews in April and May and asked that the Community Police Board volunteer to attend. Discussion followed about who could attend which dates and a schedule will be drawn up and sent to Valerie Saul in Personnel. Discussion followed about what types of questions the Community Police Board will ask the applicant and a list was drawn up. ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 3 Meeting Minutes March 21 , 1997 Commissioner Seligmann noted PBA President Martin's concern over the affirmation line on the Complaint Against Police Personnel form. She referred the Community Police Board to the January 1994 minutes where the Community Police Board approved this affirmation line as opposed to a notarized one. The Community Police Board agreed to continue with the current affirmation line. 8. New Business: Commissioner Seligmann opened the floor for nominations for Co-Chairs of the Community Police Board for 1997. Election of Co-Chairs by Commissioner Seligmann, seconded by Commissioner Yarrow. RESOLVED, That Commissioners Sarachan and Nelson be appointed Co- Chairs of the Community Police Board for 1997. Carried Unanimously The Community Police Board established the same meeting dates and times for 1997; that is, the 4th Friday of the month at 2:30 pm in the Second Floor Conference Room of City Hall, listed below: • April 25, 1997 • May 23, 1997 • June 27, 1997 • July 25, 1997 • August 22, 1997 • September 26, 1997 • October 24, 1997 • November 21 , 1997* - This is the 3rd Friday of the month due to the Thanksgiving holiday • December 19, 1997** - This is the 3rd Friday of the month due to the Christmas holiday 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on April 25, 1997 at 2:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Yarrow, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 4:00 p.m. CPB/lac 4 .-*"..) ti's:"V.,: c° IM51-1711 CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: April 25, 1997 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners McGruder, Nelson, Sarachan, Seligmann, Yarrow. Captain Haus, Alderperson Sams, Mayor Cohen. 1 . Commissioner Nelson called the meeting to order. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of March 21, 1997. by Commissioner Seligmann, seconded by Commissioner Yarrow. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 21, 1997 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: The Ithaca Community Police Board welcomed their new Common Council liaison, Diann Sams, to the meeting. Alderperson Sams noted that Common. Council has funds available for a staff person for the Community Police Board. Discussion followed about this person's duties. Alderperson Sams noted that this would be a contractual position, located in the Multicultural Resources Center at GIAC. She further noted that this person would arrange training for the Community Police Board commissioners. Further discussion followed about the current situation, whereas the Chief's secretary handles the meeting minutes and clerical duties for the Community Police Board. Mayor Cohen asked to be kept informed of these discussions as he had concerns regarding confidentiality issues. Alderperson Sams will get more information to the Community Police Board for discussion at the May meeting. Mayor Cohen noted that Common Council has approved the appointment of Pat Pryor to the Community Police Board and she should be at the May meeting. Commissioner Yarrow noted that his last meeting will be next month, due to his resignation from the Community Police Board. 4. Comments from the Public: There was no one from the public present. ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 2 Meeting Minutes April 25, 1997 5. Report of the Chief: Captain Haus reported on the following: • Bryan Bangs was appointed to the position of Police Officer effective April 3, 1997. There is still one vacant police officer position. • On-going training classes are being held at the Department. Currently, the Tompkins County Mental Health Department, in conjunction with the Ithaca Police Department, is conducting a class entitled, "Mental Health Issues for Law Enforcement." This is an 8 hour class and the next one will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 1997. Captain Haus invited the Community Police Board to attend this class. • The Ithaca Police Department is negotiating with Finest Consultants regarding future training sessions that may be held at the department. Alderperson Sams expressed her concern with a recent Letter to the Editor of the Ithaca Journal from a police officer regarding the Deborah Stagg shooting. Captain Haus noted that he has already spoke with the officer regarding this matter. 6. Comments from PBA President: There was no one present from the PBA. 7. Old Business: Discussion followed regarding Mayor Cohen's suggestion to name the Hall of Justice the Michael A. Padula Hall of Justice. Commissioner Sarachan asked how public buildings are named. Mayor Cohen noted that it is the responsibility of the board assigned to the department personnel to approve the naming of buildings. Captain Haus expressed concern regarding this matter in case of future tragedies, how would that officer be memorialized? A lengthy discussion followed. Mayor Cohen noted that the City of Ithaca has never before lost a police officer in the line of duty and that Investigator Padula was a 19 year veteran of the force. Mayor Cohen felt there would be other appropriate ways to honor fallen officers if this were to happen again. Commissioner Seligmann noted that she had talked to several officers informally about this idea and they were not in favor of it. Alderperson Sams suggested that a room within the building could be named after Investigator Padula. Mayor Cohen suggested that it may be too soon to approach this idea and that maybe it should be discussed again in 6 months. The Community Police Board agreed to table this item for now. Commissioner Yarrow gave a brief update on the Police Chief selection committee. He noted that the committee has already met with 2 candidates thus far and there were 3 more to interview. Commissioner Yarrow noted that neither candidate had much experience with civilian boards and felt that the selection committee would probably have to travel to the candidate's hometowns to get a thorough overview of each candidate. ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 3 Meeting Minutes April 25, 1997 8. New Business: Commissioner Nelson suggested that the Community Police Board discuss the way that complainant's currently view them. Discussion followed about the current way complaints are handled and how the public tends to view the Community Police Board as an "arm" of the Ithaca Police Department. Commissioner Nelson felt that all the members of the Community Police Board should hear each complaint and be a part of the investigation. Commissioner Sarachan pointed out that this would be very difficult to arrange. Captain Haus noted how complaints were handled years ago. He stated that it was more of a hearing, that is, the officer and the complainant appeared before the 3- person police board and each told their side of the story and the matter was resolved at that time. Discussion followed, noting that this is now a PBA Contract issue, as investigations into Complaints Against Police Personnel are regulated by the terms and agreements of the contract. Commissioner Seligmann will provide these contracts to be reviewed at a later meeting when the complaint process is discussed. The Community Police Board decided to tackle this issue when there is a full complement of commissioners. 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on May 23, 1997 at 2:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Seligmann, seconded by Commissioner McGruder, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 4:03 p.m. CPB/lac ‘41 liMriliTril X 1M-11711 °Po1A1b CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: May 23, 1997 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners McGruder, Nelson, Pryor, Sarachan, Seligmann, Yarrow. Acting Chief Barnes, Alderperson Sams. 1 . Commissioner Sarachan called the meeting to order. He welcomed new Commissioner, Patricia Pryor, to the Community Police Board. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of April 25, 1997. by Commissioner Seligmann, seconded by Commissioner Nelson. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 25, 1997 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Sams briefly discussed the proposal from the Community Dispute Resolution Center regarding a staff person for the Community Police Board. This topic was tabled so that the Community Police Board can thoroughly review the proposal and discuss it at the June meeting. 4. Comments from the Public: There was no one from the public present. 5. Report of the Chief: Acting Chief Barnes reported on the following: • Lester Bailey has been automatically terminated from his employment as a City of Ithaca Police Officer due to his felony conviction of sexual abuse. • Several officers attended Police Memorial Week festivities in Washington, DC, Albany and Binghamton. Officer Scaglione and Inv. Padula both received awards for their actions on the night of November 17, 1996. • Captain Haus is currently working nights to supervise the police actions during Senior Week in Collegetown. ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 2 Meeting Minutes May 23, 1997 • The Neighborhood Policing Officers have all received bicycles to help aid them in their community policing activities. • The new Dispatcher list is out, interviews will be conducted in the near future. • Officer Michael Phillips is back to work in the Records Unit on a modified duty assignment. • The mayor has formed a new Drug Task force in cooperation with the officials at the Ithaca City School District. - Alderperson Sams asked about the Collegetown Details and if the Cornell Police Department helped out, which Acting Chief Barnes noted that they do. 6. Comments from PBA President: There was no one present from the PBA. 7. Old Business: Commissioner Yarrow gave a brief update on the Police Chief selection committee. He noted that the committee has narrowed down the selection process to 2 candidates. He further noted that the selection committee will be doing site visits to the candidate's hometowns to get a thorough overview of each candidate with an anticipated time line of a job offer in late June. Discussion followed regarding Commissioner Yarrow's resignation from the Community Police Board and if this would affect the Police Board's representation on the Police Chief Selection Committee. As the Selection Committee is in the final phase of this process, the Ithaca Community Police Board decided not to ask Mayor Cohen for another commissioner to represent them. 8. New Business: Commissioner Nelson proposed the following resolution: RESOLUTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Seligmann. WHEREAS, Michael Yarrow was appointed to the Ithaca Community Police Board in January 1995, and WHEREAS, Commissioner Yarrow was instrumental in carrying out the functions of the Community Police Board and also served as a member of the Police Chief Selection Committee during his tenure, and WHEREAS, Commissioner Yarrow has submitted his resignation from the Ithaca Community Police Board due to his moving out of state, effective this date, now, therefore be it l r ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 3 Meeting Minutes May 23, 1997 RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Community Police Board wishes to express their appreciation to Mike for his years of dedication and service to the Ithaca community, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Community Police Board extends their well wishes to Mike and his family in their future endeavors. Carried Unanimously Commissioner Sarachan noted that Commissioner Pryor has a conflict meeting at 2:30 on Fridays and asked that the meeting time be discussed at the July meeting of the Ithaca Community Police Board. Discussion about PBA matters will be discussed in Executive Session. 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on June 27, 1997 at 2:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Seligmann, seconded by Commissioner McGruder, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 4:03 p.m. CPB/lac fvf 'f�c, ii--rw-fmi' -,�mi cogPoo` ; CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: July 25, 1997 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners McGruder, Pryor, Sarachan, Seligmann. Deputy Chief Barnes. 1 . Commissioner Sarachan called the meeting to order 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of June 27, 1997. by Commissioner Pryor, seconded by Commissioner McGruder. Commissioner Pryor asked that the minutes of June 27, 1997, be amended to show that Lauren Austin and Terry Calhoun were present under, 4. Comments from the Public. Approval of Minutes of Meeting of June 27, 1997 As Amended. by Commissioner Pryor, seconded by Commissioner McGruder. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the June 27, 1997 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as amended. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Sams was not present. 4. Comments from the Public: There was no one from the public present. 5. Report of the Chief: Deputy Chief Barnes reported on the following: ♦ Chief Basile started on Monday, July 21, 1997. ♦ Interviews were held on Tuesday and Wednesday to fill the two vacant Special Investigations Unit positions and one Juvenile investigator position, a total of 15 officers applied for these positions. ♦ Two new dispatchers have been hired, Michael Bedell and Christine Sims, and are in the process of being trained. There is still one vacant position. ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 2 Meeting Minutes July 25, 1997 • Mayor Cohen is asking for a budget submitted with a 4% decrease and one with an 8% decrease. • There are currently two vacant positions in the Records Unit, one for Senior Typist and one for Typist. Deputy Chief Barnes noted that Common Council still has not discussed his salary issue as the Police Captains are able to make more than he does due to holiday pay, overtime, days owed, etc. The Community Police Board decided to propose a resolution to Common Council regarding their support of an increase in Deputy Chief Barnes' salary. RESOLUTION by Commissioner Seligmann, seconded by Commissioner McGruder WHEREAS, the Deputy Chief of Police is second in command at the Ithaca Police Department, and WHEREAS, the Police Captains are covered by the Police Benevolent Association and are entitled to holiday pay, school credits, days owed, longevity and overtime pay which results in a higher salary than that of the Deputy Chief of Police, now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Community Police Board recommends to the Budget and Administration Committee that the current salary schedule for the Deputy Chief of Police be reviewed and amended to adequately compensate for the salary discrepancy between the Police Captains and the Deputy Chief of Police. Carried Unanimously 6. Comments from PBA President: There was no one present from the PBA. 7. Old Business: Discussion regarding the procedures for Complaints Against Police Personnel was tabled until the August meeting. 8. New Business: Discussion followed about the vacancies on the Ithaca Community Police Board. Commissioner Sarachan noted that there are two vacant positions available, that of Mike Yarrow's and Miriam Lane's. He suggested that a letter be done to Mayor Cohen indicating how difficult it is to conduct business when there is not a full complement. Deputy Chief Barnes will do a letter to Mayor Cohen expressing these sentiments. ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 3 Meeting Minutes July 25, 1997 Commissioner Pryor asked that the Community Police Board schedule their meetings at 3 pm as it is easier for her to attend. Discussion followed. Commissioner Pryor noted that many people cannot attend daytime meetings. It was noted that evening meetings were tried in the past and the public still did not attend. The Community Police Board decided to schedule their next meeting in August for 3 pm and have future "occasional" evening meetings. Commissioner Seligmann suggested that if a quorum was not present at 3:15, the meeting be deemed canceled, which the Community Police Board agreed to. This item will be discussed at their August meeting. 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on August 22, 1997 at 3:00 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Pryor, seconded by Commissioner Seligmann, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 3:25 p.m. CPB/lac .."%) ',.4.IfTTTITEI as, CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: August 22, 1997 at 3:00 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners McGruder, Nelson, Pryor, Sarachan, Seligmann (nominated commissioners Jones and Richardson). Chief Basile, Deputy Chief Barnes, PBA President Martin, Alderperson Sams. Judy Saul, CDRC; Maureen Monk, Human Rights Commission. Fay Gougakis. 1 . Commissioner Nelson called the meeting to order. Commissioner Sarachan, on behalf of the entire Community Police Board, welcomed Chief Basile to his first Community Police Board meeting. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of July 25, 1997. by Commissioner Pryor, seconded by Commissioner McGruder. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the July 25, 1997 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Sams noted that she and Commissioner Pryor are working together on an advocacy program and invited other police board commissioners to join in. Alderperson Sams noted that the Community Issues Committee of Common Council received a great report from the Community Police Officers and praised the officer's efforts. 4. Comments from the Public: Judy Saul from Community Dispute Resolution Center was present to offer their services to the Community Police Board in dealing with complaints now that the lay advocacy program has ended. Fay Gougakis was present to discuss a recent incident with police officers that led her to file a Complaint Against Police Personnel. Commissioner Sarachan noted that complaints are usually discussed in Executive Session and he assured her that her complaint would be investigated by the Community Police Board. • ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 2 Meeting Minutes August 22, 1997 5. Report of the Chief: Chief Basile reported on the following: ♦ Our 1998 Budget has been submitted to the Mayor and to the City Controller. This is the first proposal with a 4.2% increase. Mayor Cohen has asked all department heads to submit 2 budgets with a 0% increase and a -4% decrease. This cannot be done without eliminating positions. Chief Basile noted that the training budget will be a strong issue as he does not want to cut money from this account. • Jennifer Bishop has been hired as a Typist in the. Records Unit. There is still a vacant Senior Typist position available. ♦ Aimee Hart has been hired as a dispatcher and will begin work on September 2nd. This completes our complement of dispatchers. • Sergeant John Curatolo and Officer Dave Lanning were selected the Kiwanis Club Officer of Month in August for their heroic actions to save a potential suicide victim. • The "Pud Run" is scheduled for August 31, 1997, at Stewart Park, in memory of slain Investigator Michael Padula. • Moving in day at Cornell is today. Extra duty bar details have been set up for tonight and this weekend to help stop underage drinking and other various ABC violations. 6. Comments from PBA President: PBA President Martin asked Chief Basile what the status of the two police officer vacancies are. Chief Basile noted that they are still in the budget and he intends to go forward with the hiring process. Commissioner Sarachan welcomed PBA President Martin and noted how the Community Police Board appreciates his presence at their meetings. 7. Old Business: Discussion regarding the procedures for Complaints Against Police Personnel. Commissioner Pryor noted that she has updated the original proposed complaint procedure. Discussion followed about the conciliation step; Deputy Chief Barnes noted that this process was tried in the past and was not very successful. Commissioner Sarachan asked PBA President Martin to give the Community Police Board some feedback on the officer's feelings concerning conciliation. Commissioner Seligmann suggested that the Community Police Board seek the opinion of the City Attorney regarding conciliation based on the current PBA labor contract and using an outside board to perform the conciliation. She felt that sometimes conciliation has a negative tone as being too formal and structured. Commissioner Nelson felt that the Community Police .Board should do the conciliating not other groups. Alderperson Sams agreed as ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 3 Meeting Minutes August 22, 1997 she was concerned about the confidentiality aspect of other boards performing the conciliation process. Ms. Monk from the Human Rights Commission passed out their procedure for investigating complaints. Chief Basile felt that conciliation is helpful sometimes in situations where the complainant does not understand police procedures and in situations where that they may not be happy with the procedures but at least they'll understand it. PBA President Martin suggested that the Community Police Board create an inquiry form for those types of complaints that are based on police procedure. Discussion followed about the monthly and yearly reports to Common Council and what the reports should consist of. This will be discussed further at a future meeting. 8. New Business: Discussion followed about the meeting schedule and times as Commissioner Pryor has difficulty attending before 3 pm. The Community Police Board decided that this will be discussed on a monthly basis, perhaps with a night meeting scheduled. Discussion followed about the Community Police Board's media policy. This will be discussed at the next meeting. 9. Adiournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on September 26, 1997 at 3:00 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Pryor, seconded by Commissioner Seligmann, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 4:30 p.m. Alderperson Sams requested that she be allowed to sit in on the Executive Session. After discussion, the Community Police Board permitted Alderperson Sams to sit in on the Executive Session but will ask the City Attorney for an opinion for future requests. CPB/lac a4414' ...)J.�rmiT.TTTI c�APoRAT1� E0 CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: September 26, 1997 at 3:00 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners Jones. McGruder, Nelson, Pryor, Richardson, Sarachan, Seligmann. Chief Basile, Deputy Chief Barnes, Alderperson Sams. J.R. Clairborne, the Ithaca Journal. 1 . Commissioner Sarachan called the meeting to order. He welcomed the two newly appointed commissioners, Ralph Jones and Arlene Richardson, the Community Police Board. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of August 22, 1997. by Commissioner Seligmann, seconded by Commissioner Nelson. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the August 22, 1997 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Sams passed out the proposed job description and salary scale for the staff support person for the Community Police Board, noting that there is already money in the budget set aside for this. Discussion followed. Deputy Chief Barnes asked where this person and the files would be kept. Alderperson Sams noted that GIAC has space for this. Commissioner Pryor noted that the community would like a neutral place to file complaints. Motion to Approve Staff Support Person for Community Police Board by Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Pryor RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Community Police Board recommends to Common Council that the appointment of an Administrative Support Staff person be hired as outlined in the proposed job description for a trial period to end December 1998. Discussion followed. Chief Basile and Deputy Chief Barnes were concerned about the records being kept outside the police department, noting there may be contractual problems with this and the PBA. Alderperson Sams noted that she wanted to be sure the community would be heard as the police board serves for that reason - the community. She noted that this is on the Community Issues Committee meeting for October 14, 1997. Discussion followed about who would this ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 2 Meeting Minutes September 26, 1997 person report to, noting that day to day operations could be under the direction of the GIAC Director or the City Clerk, while overall supervision would be under the Chair of the Community Police Board. A vote of the motion resulted as follows: Ayes (5) Jones, McGruder, Nelson, Pryor, Richardson • Abstentions (2) Seligmann, Sarachan Motion Carried (5-0) 4. Comments from the Public: There was no one from the public present wishing to speak. 5. Report of the Chief: Chief Basile reported on the following: • 1998 Budget discussions are still being held. ♦ Deputy Chief David Barnes was selected the Kiwanis Club Officer of Month in September for his 18 month position as Acting Chief of Police. Deputy Chief Barnes was also selected the recipient of the Jack Lewis award from Suicide Prevention. ♦ The City of Ithaca Employee Picnic was held on September 19, 1997 at Stewart Park. Tours were given throughout various City buildings - the Ithaca Police Department conducted a mini defensive tactics presentation. Captain John C. Betts was presented with a gift certificate for his 35 years of service to the City. ♦ Police Officer Interviews were held this week for the two vacant positions and two employment offers were made. The names of the candidates cannot be released as of yet. • Chief Basile will be in Minnesota this next week to attend a Domestic Violence seminar with Lt. Glenn Sharshon and other local law enforcement agency representatives and members of the community. ♦ Chief Basile invited everyone to attend the Commons Satellite Office Grand Opening on October 3, 1997 at 1:30 pm. • PBA Negotiations are beginning. ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 3 Meeting Minutes September 26, 1997 6. Comments from PBA President: There was no one from the PBA present. 7. Old Business: Discussion regarding the procedures for Complaints Against Police Personnel. Motion to Approve Procedure for Complaints Against Police Personnel by Commissioner Pryor, seconded by Commissioner Nelson RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Community Police Board approves the procedure as proposed by Commissioner Pryor to follow when investigating Complaints Against Police Personnel. Discussion followed about the conciliation part of this process. Commissioner Sarachan preferred professional conciliation which Commissioner Pryor felt that the Community Police Board should do the conciliation. Chief Basile expressed his concern that outside agencies could be a confidentiality problem. Commissioner Pryor felt that the commissioners should be involved in the complaint process from start to finish, including the possible conciliation phase. She noted that the Community Police Board could be trained to learn how to conciliate. A vote of the motion resulted as follows: Ayes (5) Jones, McGruder, Nelson, Pryor, Richardson Abstentions (2) Seligmann, Sarachan Motion Carried (5-0) 8. New Business: Discussion followed about the Executive Session policy for the Community Police Board. Commissioner Sarachan passed out an opinion from the City Attorney's Office regarding this. The Community Police Board decided to take each request one at a time and inquire as to why the person wants to stay for Executive Session and then vote on it. 9. Adiournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held October 24, 1997 at 3:00 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Seligmann, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 4:40 p.m. CPB/lac -' 1�r_go TIT CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: December 5, 1997 at 3:00 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners Jones. McGruder, Nelson, Pryor, Richardson, Seligmann. Chief Basile, Deputy Chief Barnes, PBA President Martin, Officer Pierce. 1 . Commissioner Nelson called the meeting to order. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of September 26, 1997. by Commissioner Pryor, seconded by Commissioner Seligmann. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the September 26, 1997 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Commissioner Pryor reported on the Staff Support person position and asked for volunteers from the Community Police Board to serve on the selection committee. Commissioners McGruder and Seligmann volunteered to serve on this committee with Commissioner Pryor. Discussion followed about who will supervise this person and the need for confidentiality in this position. Deputy Chief Barnes noted that this position is currently funded in the police department's budget which he felt it should not be. 4. Comments from the Public: There was no one from the public present wishing to speak. 5. Report of the Chief: Chief Basile reported on the following: • Interviews were held for the position of Senior Typist in the Records Unit and a job offer should be forthcoming once the background checks on the applicants are finished. • There is a vacant Community Service Officer position due to the resignation of Burt Monroe. ♦ A new dispatcher has been hired and will assume his duties on January 2, 1998. ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 2 Meeting Minutes December 5, 1997 • The Department has received an anonymous donation which will be used to fund a Canine Unit. This dog will be used for narcotics investigations as well as community relations. • The Department is also in the beginning stages of creating a Mounted Horse Unit, to be funded through donations. The horse will also be used for community relations. • PBA Negotiations are on-going. 6. Comments from PBA President PBA President Martin spoke to the Community Police Board regarding the staff support position. He noted that the PBA is against this position as well as the location of where complaints will be filed - GIAC. PBA President Martin did not feel that the complaints would be kept confidential in this location. He gave a brief background on his perception of the growth of the Community Police Board over the years and how the complaints filed to date have been deemed unfounded. Discussion followed. Commissioner Pryor noted that many people in the community do not feel comfortable filing complaints at the Police Department and feel that the Community Police Board is an extension of the Police Department. She further noted that this position was created last year by Common Council and just has not been filled. She noted that the new Complaint procedure allows conciliation between the parties and asked PBA President Martin to take part in the training, which he will. PBA Martin noted that the relationship between the PBA and Community Police Board is not working. He felt that the complainants should have some accountability and asked for a statement on the Complaint form that the complainant should sign. Discussion followed, with all agreeing that to have a notarized signature is too difficult. It was noted that this was discussed at an earlier meeting and that the opinion of the City Attorney was that it couldn't be done. Deputy Chief Barnes noted that he and Commissioner Seligmann contacted other police agencies regarding their complaint forms and every one had an affirmation that the complainants had to sign. The CPB will check with the City Attorney's office again for her opinion on the affirmation line. 7. Old Business: Discussion regarding the news media procedure will be discussed when Commissioner Sarachan is present. 8. New Business: It was noted that Commissioner Jones and Nelson's terms expire on December 31, 1997. The Chief's office will remind Mayor Cohen of this and their willingness to serve again. ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD Page 3 Meeting Minutes December 5, 1997 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held January 23, 1998 at 3:00 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Pryor, seconded by Commissioner Seligmann, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 4:05 p.m. CPB/lac