HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2016-05-25CITY OF ITHACA
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting 3:30 p.m. May 25, 2016
Present:
Co-Chairs: Kane, Rogers
Commissioners (4) Wright, Onyejuruwa, DaGrossa, Beem-Miller
OTHERS PRESENT:
Common Council Liaison – Kerslick
Acting Deputy Police Chief Monticello
City Clerk - Holcomb
ABSENT:
Commissioner LaFave
CALL TO ORDER: 3:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE APRIL 27, 2016 MEETING:
By Commissioner Kane: Seconded by Commissioner Wright
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 27, 2016 Community Police Board
meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Upon a request from Commissioner LaFave, Co-Chair Kane requested the
addition of a discussion under New Business regarding the media’s recent
description of the Community Board’s involvement in an investigation of a 2014
incident between the Ithaca Police Department and two teenagers in relation to a
vehicle fire.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:
Four Ithaca High School Seniors were in attendance in the audience as a
requirement for their government class. The Board introduced themselves and
provided an overview of their duties. It was noted that the Board has a vacancy
for a Youth Commissioner and the students were encouraged to share this
information with their government class teacher, friends and classmates who
might be interested in serving on the Board.
A question and answer period followed regarding Community Police Board
investigations and recommendations to the Police Chief.
REPORT FROM COMMON COUNCIL:
Common Council Liaison Kerslick reported that the Community Outreach
Program is going very well and offered to invite the Community Outreach Worker,
Tammy Baker, to an upcoming meeting. He noted that he will share the most
recent Quarterly Report on the program with the Board at the next meeting.
He further reported that a “City Hall on Campus” meeting was recently held with
the Mayor and members of Common Council and city staff in attendance along
with a member of the Cornell University student body. There was discussion of
The Ithaca Plan: A Public Health Approach to Drugs and Drug Policy, which is
available on the City’s website.
Commissioner DaGrossa reported that there was a recent meeting of Ithaca area
Clergy which also included a presentation of The Ithaca Plan by Mayor Svante
Myrick, District Attorney Gwen Wilkinson, and Lillian Fan, Southern Tier Aids
Program. Discussion followed on the book In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts:
Close Encounters with Addiction by Dr. Gabor Mate which documents his
experience with addicts and addiction in Vancouver.
Deputy Police Chief Monticello stated that he attended a panel discussion in
Binghamton and a forum in Geneva presented by government agencies that
highlighted the lack of treatment facilities and resources in New York State and
around the country.
City Clerk Holcomb noted that a video of the presentation of The Ithaca Plan to
Common Council is available on the City’s website under “Archived Videos”,
“April 27, 2016 Special Common Council Meeting”.
REPORT FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Deputy Police Chief Monticello reported on the following:
Collegetown Special Detail is winding down. There was a reduction in
violations on South Hill this year and Slope Day and the Prospect Street
block party resulted in very few issues.
The SWAT Team was just certified by the New York State Division of
Criminal Justice Services after a long accreditation process. It is one of
seven SWAT Teams that are certified in New York State.
The Ithaca Police Department has re-opened and is actively investigating
a cold case from 1987. The case involves the murder of David W.
Malcolm, a staff member at the Red Cross Shelter.
NEW BUSINESS:
Co-Chair Kane reported that Commissioner LaFave had requested that the
Board discuss a recent Ithaca Voice article in which she feels the description of
the Board’s role in an investigation was misleading. A brief discussion followed
on the Board’s policy on speaking to the media.
Co-Chair Rogers reminded Board members that they cannot release information
about particular cases. Council Liaison Kerslick noted that if Board members
speak to the media, they should be clear that they are representing themselves
and individuals and the not the entire Board.
In the absence of Commissioner LaFave, this issue was deferred to the June,
2016 agenda under “Old Business” for further discussion.
MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ACTIVE
INVESTIGATIONS:
By Commissioner DaGrossa: Seconded by Commissioner Wright
RESOLVED, That the Community Police Board enter into Executive Session to
discuss case # 2016-1.
Carried Unanimously
RECONVENE:
The Board reconvened into regular session with no formal action taken.
RESOLUTION:
By Commissioner Rogers: Seconded by Commissioner Kane
RESOLVED, That case number 2016-1 be considered resolved.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Julie Conley Holcomb, City Clerk